,,the ,,universal ,,directory ,,for ,,taking ,,alive ,,and ,,destroying ,,rats1 ,,and ,,all ,,other ,,kinds ,,of ,,four-,,footed ,,and ,,winged ,,vermin1 ,,in ,a ,,method ,,hitherto ,,unattempted3 ,calculated for the ,use of the ,,gentleman1 the ,,farmer1 and the ,,warrener2 ,by ,,robert ,,smith1 ,late ,,rat-,,catcher to the ,princess ,,amelia4 ,,illustrated ,,with ,,cuts4 ,the ,,third ,,edition4 ,,london3 ,printed for ,j4 ,,walker1 ,no4 #dd1 ,pater-noster-row4 ,m4,,dcc4 ,,lxxxvi4 ,entered in ,stationers ,hall4 ,the ,public are requested to observe1 the two preceding ,editions of this ,book were sold at the extravagant ,price of #a #as4 in consequence of which1 ,copies have been of late particularly scarce and valuable1 the ,publisher has reprinted the ,work at the low ,price of ,three ,shillings only1 with all the ,embellishments of ,plates1 c4 ,,contents4 ,the ,fox ,page #a ---- ,otter #bc ---- ,badger #bi ---- ,sheep-killing ,dog #cc ---- ,house ,cat turned wild #ci ---- ,marten ,cat #dg ---- ,pole ,cat #ea ---- ,stoat #ee ---- ,weasel #ei ---- ,ferret #fc ---- ,hedgehog #gc ---- ,norway ,rat #ge ---- ,black ,rat #ajg ---- ,water ,rat #aaa ---- ,squirrel #aae ---- ,mole #aag ---- ,house-,mouse #abc ---- ,field ,mouse #abe ---- ,red ,shrew-,mouse #abg ---- ,black ,shrew-,mouse #aca ---- ,grass ,mouse #acc ---- ,dormouse #ace ---- ,bat #acg ---- ,large black ,eagle #aci ---- ,grey bob-tailed ,buzzard #adc ---- ,large forked ,tail ,kite #ade ---- ,large blue ,sherard ,kite #adg ---- ,blue ,sherard ,hawk #aea ---- ,large ,ring-tailed ,hawk #aec ---- ,small ,ring-tailed ,hawk #aee ---- ---- ,sparrow-,hawk #aeg ---- ---- ,black-headed ,hawk #aei ---- ,wind-hover ,hawk #afa ---- ,brown ,wood-,owl #afc ---- ,screech ,owl #afg ---- ,horned ,owl #afi ---- ,fern ,owl #aga ---- ,raven #agc ---- ,carrion ,crow #agg ---- ,magpye #aha ,,introduction4 ,however trifling and contemptible the following ,treatise may appear to some persons1 the author flatters himself that it will be productive of great public utility1 although the subject is but low and humble4 ,many ingenious writers have greatly distinguished themselves in treating of that noble and useful animal the horse2 of the method of breeding horned cattle1 sheep1 and other animals1 serviceable and beneficial to mankind2 this little work1 on the contrary1 takes cognizance of those animals1 noxious to the community1 describes their wonderful wilyness and sagacity1 and the uncommon and surprizing methods they take for self-preservation and getting their prey2 the research1 may1 perhaps1 give the reader great satisfaction1 for the infinite wisdom of the great ,creator is as conspicuous in a mole as in a camel1 in an ant as in a lion4 ,and as most noblemen1 gentlemen1 and others1 who have country seats are generally1 if not constantly1 troubled with various kinds of vermin1 greatly detrimental and destructive to their property in the following instances1 viz4 in many places where gentlemen have hare-warrens and pheasantries1 they are troubled with foxes1 their waters with otters1 those great destroyers of fish2 their poultry are killed by polecats1 stoats1 and weasels2 in other places they are pestered with wild cats1 who originally strayed from the farm and other lone houses1 and running into the woods1 breed in great numbers and do incredible mischief1 in destroying the game1 poultry1 rabbits1 and young leverets2 in many other places they are troubled with sheep-killing dogs1 who in the night-time worry and kill great numbers of sheep1 so useful and necessary to the commonwealth1 and the staple commodity of the kingdom4 ,but of all the noxious animals none do more mischief than rats2 both the old ,english black rat and the ,norway rat1 especially the latter1 which is the most mischievous animal in the creation4 ,in all the above cases1 rules1 not drawn from theory1 but from twenty years strict observation and practice1 are laid down in the plainest manner1 to find out their haunts and hiding places2 with the easiest methods how to take and destroy them1 to the great joy and emolument of the persons who have been injured and pestered with them4 ,rules for taking and destroying moles and mice are likewise given1 and the nature of ferrets is also described1 with instructions when it is proper to make use of them1 and when not4 ,and as the noxious part of the creation is not confined to the earth only1 many of the winged inhabitants of the air are equally pernicious to the gentleman and the farmer1 their natures are described1 with proper and suitable directions how to take and destroy them1 from the buzzard and the kite1 to the smallest bird of prey1 without which the author would have estimated his work as incomplete4 ,on the whole1 if the following little ,treatise should any ways answer the intent for which it was written1 the author will obtain the end he aimed at1 and gratify the utmost extent of his ambition and wishes1 namely1 the good and advantage of his fellow-subjects1 and the general good of the community4 ,,the ,,fox4 ,i shall first begin with old ,reynard the ,fox1 for he is the king of the vermin in this island2 wolves indeed formerly abounded here1 an animal infinitely more fierce and dangerous than the former1 but these for many ages have been entirely extirpated4 ,the ,fox is a very subtle1 sly1 and daring animal1 and in hard and severe winters will come to places where hares and pheasants are kept1 and destroy a great many of them2 he is likewise a mortal enemy to lambs and all kinds of poultry1 but scarce in any other instances he is more mischievous than in destroying rabbits in warrens1 which he frequently does in prodigious numbers1 but more especially in stopping time1 as ,i have known the young rabbits of near twenty stops taken away by the ,foxes in one night's time4 ,it may be necessary here to explain what is meant by the above term2 when the female rabbit is ready to kindle1 she digs an hole1 or angle1 about four feet long1 and about ten or twelve inches under ground1 and when she goes out for food1 she scratches the earth over the mouth of the hole1 or stop1 so that it is scarcely perceptible to the eye1 in order for the preservation of her young ones from any approaching enemy2 in the night1 the ,fox being in search of his prey1 comes to the place where these stops are made and scents the young rabbits1 but instead of entering therein1 he follows the scent above ground till he comes to the end of the angle1 and then scratching up the earth comes immediately upon the young1 which he devours2 and this is called crowning on them4 ,it is very difficult to guard against the approaches of this enemy1 his motions being so uncertain1 unless a trap was constantly placed1 for sometimes he will destroy several lambs and poultry in the night at farm-houses1 and not come near the same place again for a considerable time1 shifting his quarters to other places considerably remote in search of fresh plunder2 but in large parks where hares and pheasants are constantly kept in great numbers1 there is a greater probability of taking him in the following manner3 ,the method to know where and which way he comes1 is to make what is termed a shrape1 which is done by drawing a circle#a on the ground1 in the park or warren1 about three feet diameter1 take the mould out all over1 four inches deep1 then take a sieve and sift a sufficient quantity of fine mould to fill it up again even to the surface1 dig six of these in various parts of the park1 and fill them up in the same manner4 ,the reason of having the mould sifted so fine is1 that when you set a trap there will be no stones to intervene between the spring and the jaw of the trap1 which will sometimes happen without proper observance1 and prevent the trap from striking close4 ,footnote #a3 ,see letter ,a4 plate #a4 fig4 #a4 ,the next step to be taken is to procure a sheep's paunch2 tie a string to it1 and draw it to each shrape1 before described1 but remember at the distance of two or three hundred yards to rub the bottom of your shoes on the paunch1 which will prevent him from discovering the smell of your feet1 and at every shrape lay some pieces of strong old ,cheshire cheese1 and come again in the morning1 when you will plainly perceive whether his behaviour is shy or not2 for he will sometimes eat all the cheese he can reach1 without entering on the shrape2 the next night he will venture somewhat further1 and set his feet so lightly on the mould that you can scarcely discern their print3 ,i have sometimes fed a shy ,fox for a whole week before ,i have set a trap for him1 but when he comes to feed boldly he will trample all over the shrape and make prints an inch deep1 and in that shrape1 where he seems to feed the freest1 ,i would advise to place two traps1 and1 without any particular accident1 if he comes1 you will be sure of catching him4 ,set your traps after the following manner3 take some mould out1 just sufficient for the traps to lie in2 and when properly placed1 get some moss1 and with a small stick1 put some of it under the bridge1 and likewise between the bridge and the jaw1 and lay it quite smooth2 now the reason of having the above stick is1 that in case you should spring the trap1 it will not injure you in the least1 but only catches the end of the stick4 ,the next particular you must observe is1 to procure a thin piece of board1 a foot in length1 two inches wide at one end1 and cut away at the other to hold them by2 then with this board strike some mould or earth over the trap1 entirely level with the other parts of the shrape2 this board is absolutely necessary in order to prevent your handling the mould1 for if he is in the least shy1 he will not approach the shrape if you once handle it2 another caution is likewise necessary1 which is1 not to let the bridges of your traps be too wide1 for a ,fox had better come and put his foot in between the bridge and the jaw of the trap1 and not spring it at all1 for in that case he will come again1 as he has not been baulked1 but when the bridge is too wide1 if he happens to set his foot on the jaw1 then his toe nails reach the bridge1 and spring the trap without catching him1 which will render him shy1 and it will be a very difficult matter afterwards to get him at all4 ,illustration3 ,plate ,i4 page #g4 ,fig4 #b4 ,the ,,steel ,,trap set in a ,,cube for a ,,fox4 ,fig4 #a4 ,two ,,steel ,,traps fixt in a shrape for a ,,fox4 ,jn4 ,lodge sc4 ,but in order to prevent any such disappointment1 ,i would advise that your steel traps for the ,fox should be square in the jaw1 and not round as the common traps are usually made1 and strike but five inches high1 and seven inches long in the jaw1 with saw-teeth#b1 and let the tail#c of the trap be two feet from the tail end#d of the spring1 for they are generally made too short1 from whence this inconvenience arises1 that when a trap stands for some time1 in warrens or parks1 the spring gives out1 the purchase being so quick1 whereas1 were the traps formed on the principle above laid down1 the spring would remain for a considerable time without giving way2 and lastly1 let the #e;bridge of the trap be four inches square4 ,footnote #b3 ,see the letters ,,cc in plate #a4 fig4 #a4 ,footnote #c3 ,see ,d in the same plate4 ,footnote #d3 ,see ,e in the same plate4 ,footnote #e3 ,see ,b in the same plate4 ,but as to a shy ,fox1 as just above observed1 ,i have known them come again1 when compelled by hunger and necessity1 and sometimes even with three legs1 and take the young rabbits out of the stops or holes1 as before described4 ,and here ,i beg leave to correct a vulgar error mentioned by some authors1 which is1 that the ,fox1 when caught by the leg in a trap1 in order to facilitate his escape1 will gnaw off the same above the jaws of the trap1 but this assertion is entirely false and erroneous1 as it would put the animal to inconceivable pain and agony to bite its own flesh1 while any sensation remained1 and renders the supposition likewise unnatural2 but the real state of the case is this1 which ,i have proved from long experience1 for as a dog1 when he has got into a trap1 will yelp and cry out till he is tired1 which soon happens1 and then lie quiet1 on the contrary1 this artful cunning creature1 we are now describing1 as soon as taken1 makes no noise at all1 but is indefatigable in his endeavours to get out1 and will neither stand nor lie still till either somebody comes to let him out1 or he gets out by the following manner2 he immediately begins to tumble and toss about1 and after some time striving1 he breaks his leg1 just at the place where the iron jaws of the trap are fastened2 the lower part of the leg1 under the trap1 is soon benumbed and deprived of all sensation1 which the ,fox then gnaws off1 and drawing the sinews through the teeth of the trap1 makes his escape1 leaving that part of his leg which he had bit off behind him2 and1 as a further confirmation1 ,i once catched a dog and bitch ,fox1 early in the winter1 who both escaped1 by the above means1 with three legs each1 and the ensuing spring came to the same warren and took out several stops on their three legs1 which ,i discovered1 and poisoned them by means of some balls properly prepared1 the method of which ,i shall soon come to describe4 ,it may not here be unnecessary to lay down some rules to distinguish the dog ,fox from the bitch1 which may easily be done1 without seeing them1 by adhering to the following observations2 a dog ,fox has a larger foot than a bitch1 and it much resembles that of a small lurcher dog1 and has been often mistaken for one1 by those who do not examine things minutely3 but there is an essential difference2 for the ,fox has hardly any ball to the heel of his foot1 but the dog has a large one2 and a bitch ,fox has likewise a small foot with the ball thereof still considerably less than the male4 ,the utility of this remark will soon appear4 ,i now proceed to lay down another method of taking and destroying these pernicious vermin1 either in park1 warren1 or field1 but more especially those who have been made shy1 or have lost a leg in a trap1 as before hinted1 which is as follows3 whatever place it may happen to be in1 you must take notice of all the little by-paths all round the ground1 and sift some mould in each of them1 and place by the side of each path1 where the mould is sifted1 a piece of white rag stuck upon a stick2 for if there be any rabbits or hares near the path1 they1 by running up and down1 will create such confusion in the mould1 that it will be next to an impossibility to distinguish the impression of the ,fox's foot2 the intent1 therefore1 of these white rags is1 to fright the rabbits and hares away1 but the ,fox will boldly proceed along regardless of them3 as soon therefore as you have discovered which path he came along1 you must not trail for him as before1 for that having seduced him into danger1 and led him to the trap1 he will remember it well1 and it is a very great chance whether he will follow the trail at all4 ,but take two good figs of nux vomica2 let them be quite white and sound1 7for those that are of a brown colour are neither so strong nor efficacious7 then rasp them very fine1 take a piece of good dripping as big as a tennis ball1 mix with these a little flower to bring it to a proper consistency or stiffness1 and then roll it in honey2 for there is nothing fonder of honey than a ,fox1 and ,i have seen one scratch up the earth for a bee's nest under the ground1 for the sake of the honey1 and after he had accomplished this design1 having the wind of him ,i shot him dead on the spot4 ,but to return4 ,when you have found out the path he comes in1 place two or three of these balls of the magnitude before mentioned1 at nine or ten yards distance1 for fear he should miss one2 place them on a small stick six inches high1 in order to prevent the mice from eating them4 ,but a little distinction is here necessary to be made1 for if you are endeavouring after a ,fox1 whom you imagine never to have been made shy or caught in a trap1 the method of trailing1 as laid down in the first instance may be followed1 and then one ball will be sufficient to be put in the path1 which he will readily go up to and take1 and in order still to be more certain of his footsteps1 take the foot of a ,fox and print it in fine mould or sand1 but the former is better if it can be got1 the latter when dry1 being apt to run2 by observing this rule you will readily know the print of his foot1 wherever you see it4 ,when the plan has succeeded to your wishes1 and the ,fox has taken one of the balls as he came in1 it is ten to one but he dies before he gets out again1 as was the with the dog and bitch ,fox before mentioned1 and if you print him in1 and not print him out1 then you may hunt for him with your dog1 being certain that he is still lurking somewhere in the ground4 ,in some places where traps have not been set for them1 they may be catched as easy as a dog2 ,i have taken them in a cube1 where a trap for a dog has been set1 the cube is formed in the manner as represented in pl4 #a1 fig4 #b4 ,f4 by the cut therein annexed1 and may be made in the center where two paths cross1 or in a warren1 or park1 or at any gate or stile where he comes in3 if you do not find that he comes in at any of the above places over your shrapes1 you must1 as you go round the sides of the path1 gates and stiles1 mind whether you see his billots1 that is1 his dung1 the term being to say after he has dunged that he has billoted2 if you should not rightly know it1 take up what you imagine to be the same1 and break it1 and you will find it to be full of large black beetles2 sometimes you may smell him1 then look about very nicely1 and it is ten to one but he has billoted somewhere near the place4 ,let your cube be made after this manner1 draw a circle1 pl4 #a4 fig4 #b4 ,f4 but in the front leave just room for the trap to go in when set1 then bank it up all round from one side of the jaw of the trap quite round to the other2 set your traps in the same manner as you see in the plan of it1 but be sure to moss them as before directed1 for the moss preserves the fine mould from running under the bridge1 and at the same time keeps it up hollow that it may strike freely and properly1 but when the mould runs in1 it sets the trap so hard that it is impossible for it to strike at all4 ,if you are in a warren1 put some rabbits guts in the back part of the cube2 if these cannot be procured1 place some pieces of strong rotten ,cheshire cheese1 which they are very greedy of2 if at a farm get some bits of dead fowl1 if possible1 and if in a field1 it is probable you may find some of the mangled carcases of lambs1 which they have killed and hid pieces of them in the ground1 which they often do3 but remember1 in all these particular cases to put the bait in the back part of the cube as before hinted2 and whenever you set a trap for a ,fox let it be placed early in the afternoon1 in order that the soil you make may go off before he comes1 and when you have set them1 cover them with a bush cut on purpose1 to keep any thing else from striking it1 till you come round at night and uncover it again4 ,in many country places there are people1 who make it their business to take ,foxes out of their earths for gentlemen to hunt them at their pleasure2 these are properly called bag-foxes4 ,i have known in some stony countries that they set stone traps for them at their earths1 so that it is impossible for them to get out without being taken1 but of this method of catching them ,i cannot speak from my own experience1 having been only a spectator of the traps1 and of consequence cannot be so able to judge of it1 as where ,i have been the principal actor myself4 ,i mention this to testify that ,i would not1 even in the most minute circumstances1 impose on my readers4 ,i have practiced likewise the following method with good success1 which may be imitated with great facility2 let the party employed go round and carefully search for their earthing places1 wherever they are1 and make the mouths of them quite fine with mould2 then come again the next morning1 and observe whether the earth has been trampled on1 and if you see the prints of his feet tending outward and inward1 you may then be assured that he is safe within his hole or earth1 on which take a good strong hay-net1 such as are used in some warrens1 pitched all around at a proper distance1 put the sticks quite slight into the ground1 that as soon as he strikes the net1 it may fall upon and entangle him1 but if you place it tight he will tumble over1 and by that means escape4 ,another caution is necessary1 when you have set your net1 you must put some bells in three or four different places1 that you may hear when he strikes the net2 then run in upon him1 and keep him entangled1 otherwise he will get out again1 and seizing him by the pole or back part of his neck1 muzzle him1 and tie his fore legs together1 that he may not scratch his muzzle off again2 ,i have known a ,fox1 earthed as above1 watched for two or three nights together1 till he has been starved out1 before they could catch him4 ,sometimes when a ,fox is found in the earth1 or is hunted in1 the method is to dig him out immediately1 after the following manner2 take a good terrier1 that is kept for that purpose1 one that will lie at a ,fox1 then you must listen and sound him as the warreners do their line ferrets2 dig a trench across the angle1 and1 when you have got to the angle1 perhaps he will fly back1 as they frequently do1 then sink another trench near him1 and when you have dug down to him1 take care he does not bite you1 as he is a fierce animal1 when drove to desperation1 and bites very hard2 in the next place take your dog back1 that you may get him out1 this is what we call drawing him1 as follows2 take an old hat1 or any thing of a similar nature1 in your hand1 and dodge it before him1 when he will catch hold of it immediately1 then with the other hand catch him by the back part of the poll1 with all possible quickness1 as the motion must be1 as it were1 instantaneous2 and this same method must be observed when you have one in a trap1 if you have a mind to take him alive1 and always remember to have a muzzle ready to put on him directly1 and put him into a sack1 and then you may do what you please with him afterwards2 what ,i mean by a muzzle is this1 take a bit of strong tape1 put it over his nose1 bring both ends down under his jaw1 and tie them tight together2 then bring it along under his throat1 an inch and half from the first knot1 then tie them both together in one knot again1 then bring the two ends up behind his ears and tie them tight1 and this is what ,i call a muzzle1 in the same manner as warreners muzzle their dogs to drive to the nets4 ,having proceeded thus far in my description1 c4 of this remarkable animal1 ,i conclude what ,i have to say of him with the following recipe to take a shy dog ,fox1 which ,i have known to succeed when all other means have proved ineffectual1 and like wise with another observation1 neither of which are generally known4 ,the trail for him is1 when you have taken a bitch ,fox1 that goes a clicketing1 take and cut that vessel which contains her sperm1 the same as the sow-gelders deprive bitches of1 when they spay them1 mixing with this some gum mastic1 and put them as soon as possible1 after being taken from the animal1 into an earthen pot1 keeping it quite close1 and it will remain serviceable a whole year1 and1 when occasion offers1 take a large piece of rind of bacon1 broil it well on a gridiron1 and then dip it in the pot1 using it as a trail1 in the same manner as the sheep's paunch before described4 ,the last remark ,i shall make is1 that there is one season of the year when a ,fox will not run after a trail at all1 at least very rarely1 and that is in the spring1 when he gets plenty of young rabbits and leverets2 for then he is dainty2 when this is the case1 another method must be taken3 at this time of the year the bitch ,fox goes what is called a-clicketting1 you must mind which way he comes1 which may be done by sifting some fine mould in all the little bye paths1 and when you have discovered the right one1 place two steel traps1 about twenty yards distance from each other1 for fear he should miss one1 but lay no bate for him1 and if he comes1 there is the greatest probability of his being caught2 ,i have often been forced to act in this manner1 and have succeeded4 ,,the ,,otter4 ,the ,otter is an amphibious animal1 which preys both by land and water1 for when he is disturbed in the water he preys by land3 as a proof of which1 ,i once catched a dog ,otter in a warren1 where he came to prey on the rabbits1 after the old bitch ,otter and all the young cubs had been killed1 down at the river1 not far from the warren4 ,the ,otter generally frequents rivers and brooks1 in order to search for his prey1 and will often come to fish-ponds likewise1 destroying the fish1 and yet not lie there2 the method to discover his haunts is very easy1 for1 in whatever place he preys1 you will be certain to find tails1 or hinder parts of the fish1 left undevoured1 at the sides of the ponds1 c4 for it is observable that he eats the head and body of the fish1 as far as the vent1 and very seldom any farther2 look all round the pond1 and by his marks or footsteps1 you will find where he enters the pond1 and likewise where he comes out to eat the fish by the side1 for no amphibious animal devours his prey in the water1 or can remain a single moment under it1 longer than he can hold his breath4 ,when you have discovered the place1 it will be adviseable to put a good strong steel trap in the water1 down in the mud2 put the mud over the bridge of the trap as much as you can1 that he may not discover the trap4 ,i have catched several this way4 ,if you should not happen to find where he takes the water1 you will see where he sits to eat his fish1 and then you must set a trap or two by the side of the water1 in different places1 where you find the bits of fish2 cut a hole in the ground to let them in1 just flush or even with the ground1 then cover them over with moss very nicely3 but1 in my opinion1 there is no necessity to bait them1 for the ,otter will seldom1 ,i believe never1 touch any thing but what he kills himself4 ,i may possibly be mistaken in this point1 but after many repeated trials never could get him to touch any bait ,i set for him4 ,the ,otter in rivers and brooks has a kennel1 which1 with proper notice1 as before given1 you will find2 the structure of it is very ingenious and admirable1 indeed not equal to that of the beaver1 though in some instances of a similar construction1 for they always have two ways to go in and out1 one by land and the other by water1 for such is the cunningness and sagacity of these vermin towards their preservation1 that if disturbed by land1 they can vent or escape by water1 and if attacked by water they can escape by land2 now when you have found out these kennels1 and discern that they use and frequent it1 look carefully about and you will see some of his landing places1 where he sits and eats his prey1 and before the spot where he lands1 there put a trap down in the water as already directed in the ponds1 where ,i have caught them1 and likewise destroyed all the young ones in the kennel1 but know no bait in particular they are fond of1 as before observed2 though others may be of a contrary opinion4 ,in many places where ,i have been1 small hounds have been employed in destroying these vermin1 called ,otter hounds2 when one is unkennelled1 he immediately goes to the bottom of the water1 where he remains as long as his breath will hold out1 which is a considerable time2 he then goes under the bank1 or under some reeds or boughs1 there he draws breath and blubbers the water2 the term when he is perceived by any of his pursuers is to say1 ,there he vents2 and they strike at him with a spear made for that purpose1 and often kill him1 but if the spear misses1 he sets off again and the dogs follow1 and if good seldom miss of killing him4 ,the above animal is not footed like other vermin1 for they have a web between each claw1 like many water fowls1 which greatly accelerates their motion in swimming1 when pursued by the dogs2 they have no heel1 but a round ball under the sole of the foot1 the track of which is called their mark1 and their dung is called their sprents4 ,,the ,,badger4 ,he is a grey hard haired animal1 a good deal of the pig kind2 and is not near so hurtful as many other animals of the vermin kind2 for the chief mischief he does1 consists in scratching of earths1 or holes1 which afterwards serve for earth for the foxes to harbour in1 and in scratching and grubbing up the ground1 in searching after his food1 such as pignuts and roots1 on which1 and on beach-mast1 acorns1 crabs1 and other trash1 he subsists1 but does not prey on living things of any kind1 as has been asserted by some authors1 who have falsly affirmed that he destroys and lives on young lambs1 pigs1 and poultry2 and in consequence of the simplicity of his food1 ,i have known1 in some places1 people will eat them1 being generally very fat1 and their flesh exceedingly sweet4 ,i have practised two methods of taking the ,badger with great success1 the first of which is1 when you have found out one of their earths1 let two persons go out in the night1 while they are in search of their food1 and put a thin sack into the hole1 and fasten it at the mouth1 that the ,badger may not run away with it2 then let one person remain near the hole1 while the other beats round the fields with a dog1 in order to drive him home2 when he finds the dog after him1 he runs to his hole as fast as possible1 and goes into the sack1 which slips close like a purse2 the party who stayed near the hole1 on hearing his approach1 lays hold of the mouth of the sack1 and pulls out the ,badger in it1 and this method is termed1 ,sacking the ,badger4 ,another way is to place a steel trap1 in which you will catch him very easily1 as he is nothing near so shy as the fox2 when you come to his earths or holes1 make the mouths of all the angles quite smooth1 and come again the next morning1 when you will see whether any have been in or gone out1 and if you track him in and out1 then put a trap in each earth1 in the same manner as you did for the fox1 and you need not fear catching him1 but remember to stake down your trap1 that he may not go away with it4 ,,the ,,sheep-,,killing ,,dog4 ,this animal is extremely pernicious and detrimental1 wherever he exists1 for when once a ,dog takes to killing sheep1 he seldom or never leaves the practice off1 in which he is extremely shy1 and it is a very difficult matter to put a stop to his proceedings till you can discover his owner1 which is no easy task1 for if once he perceives you are tracing him home1 he will go two or three miles another way4 ,if it happens that he should come in the night1 and destroy any of your lambs or sheep1 the circumstance becomes very alarming1 and the farmer generally moves his sheep into another field or place1 this certainly will baulk him for some small time1 till he finds them again1 and then the consequence is as bad as ever2 ,i would therefore advise not to move your flocks at all1 for the following reason1 that by this means you may be the sooner able to destroy him4 ,to this end1 go early in the morning into the field where the sheep are1 which is always customary1 every morning1 among the farmers1 then you will find whether he has been amongst and killed any of them3 if you perceive this to be the case1 inspect carefully all round the field1 whether you can track1 or see the print of his feet1 at any gate1 stile1 or gap1 if there be one1 if you look carefully it is ten to one but you trace his footsteps2 this being done1 you may prepare for him against night in the following manner3 get two good steel traps1 set one of them by the side of the gate1 stile1 or gap1 where you imagine he enters1 within side of the field1 in the same manner as before directed for the fox in a cube trap1 and cover the same1 but do not handle the mould2 then take the liver of the sheep or lamb he has devoured1 cut them into slices1 fry them in some good dripping1 and put them on the back part of the cube2 then take a piece of the flesh of the sheep or lamb1 and rub it all about the gate or stile1 c4 in order that he may be allured by the scent2 then set another trap in the same manner at a different gate1 for fear he should not come in the same way3 a farmer is sometimes at a loss for these traps1 but if he lives adjacent to any warren1 he may easily borrow two of the true sort2 but for fear of an accident it would not be amiss for the farmer to have them always by him4 ,the above directions being put into execution1 get a sheep's paunch and draw a trail all round the field1 as you do for the fox1 and draw it up close to the mouth of each cube or trap1 and by these means ,i have frequently catched several of them4 ,in some country places where they have none of the aforesaid traps1 people are at a loss how to proceed1 the subsequent method will supply their place in some measure1 and be attended with success2 when you have discovered in the morning1 that he has been among the sheep over night1 get some good dripping as big as a tennis ball1 rasp two good figs of nux vomica1 and mix them together1 stiffened with a little flour2 make several of these balls1 and at evening trail a sheep's paunch1 tied to a string1 to each gate1 stile1 or gap1 where you imagine he enters1 putting one of these balls at every place1 fixt on the top of a small piece of stick1 about six inches high1 with the other end in the ground1 which will prevent the mice from eating it2 when you have trailed to one place1 there stick the ball1 trailing on to the next in like manner1 till you have gone quite round the field2 let this be done just at dark1 and go again in the morning1 and observe how many balls are gone1 the remaining ones take up1 and put them down again at night1 and so proceed till you find he has swallowed some of them1 of which there is no fear if he chance to come4 ,i have sometimes been greatly embarassed in catching him1 though ,i have fully discovered the place at which he came into the field to destroy the sheep2 for he was so extremely shy that he would not follow the trail1 nor touch any bait laid for him4 ,i then took the following method1 viz4 just at the gate where he came in1 ,i procured two radded hurdles and put them close at one end1 top and bottom2 and at the extremity of the end so closed1 ,i tied a live lamb1 and at the other end where the opening was ,i set two steel traps close by each other1 and in the room they did not fill up1 ,i placed a large bush to supply the vacancy4 ,these traps were covered very nicely1 in the same manner as for the fox2 the plan succeeded1 and the arch thief was happily taken4 ,if it should be a ,dog that comes1 procure some of the urine of a proud bitch1 and rub it about the trail1 or the bait1 which will infallibly bring him on1 let him be ever so shy1 and induce him to go boldly up to the trap and be caught4 ,,the ,,house ,,cat1 ,,turned ,,wild4 ,this domestic animal is so well known as to need no description here1 and is very useful in a family1 but frequently they will run wild in woods1 parks1 chaces1 or forests1 and do infinitely more mischief than many vermin naturally wild1 and become entirely the reverse of what they were originally intended for4 ,they attack their prey with surprizing ferocity1 equal to that of a tiger1 and are very hurtful in gentlemens grounds1 such as wood-walks1 pheasantries1 chicken-grounds1 or places where poultry is kept2 where they destroy the young pheasants1 chickens1 ducks1 rabbits1 and leverets4 ,i have killed seven of these ,cats in one week1 in a gentleman's chicken ground1 where they came and destroyed almost all his ,chinese and other pheasants1 ,bantam and ,guinea fowls1 and other curious poultry1 both domestic and of foreign extraction1 also his tame rabbits2 on all which he set the greatest value4 ,i have caught divers of them in a warren1 who have rambled several miles to come for their prey1 for there is a kind of these creatures1 besides those that live in the woods1 which generally reside about farm-houses1 and at night go out to prowl1 and are of no service to the owner4 ,as a proof of this1 a farmer happening to come to the warren1 who lived about three miles distant1 owned one of the cats killed that morning1 which had left his house the preceding evening4 ,i have caught thirty wild ,cats in a season1 at the same warren1 and we had but two houses near us1 upwards of a mile distant each way1 by which it appears how far these animals will ramble in search of their prey4 ,i now proceed to the manner of taking them2 when you find they come to any of the fore-mentioned places1 get a common box trap1 or hutch trap1 pl4 ,,ii4 fig4 #a4 such as are used in warrens2 let it be nine inches wide1 full ten inches high in the clear1 and three feet long4 ,let the standards ,a4 ,a4 be placed in the centre1 on the top of the trap1 ten inches from the end ,b4 ,b4 which must slide up and down in a groove2 let the standards be twelve inches high1 with a notch cut in each1 two inches deep1 and three quarters of an inch wide1 that the swords ,c4 ,c4 may have free room to play by the side of each other4 ,let the bridge be eight inches square1 and then there will be a clear inch in length for the bridge to play2 then get a piece of wood1 half an inch thick1 and an inch and half square1 make a hole in the middle1 and place it at the bottom of the trap1 up against the back1 in the centre1 afterwards put a nail through without a head1 fasten it down to the bottom of the trap1 the nail standing up half an inch1 then there will be room for the bridge to hang on3 make a hole at one end of the bridge1 in the centre1 place it on the nail2 in the other end put a strong piece of wire1 and cut a trigger-hole in the front of the trap1 towards the bottom1 exactly in the middle1 three inches high1 and half an inch wide1 ,d4 ,d4 and be careful to have the inside of the trigger or tiller hole lined on each side the edges with narrow pieces of tin1 which will prevent its being gnawed1 and the trap from being defaced1 for all vermin1 whether cats1 rats1 c4 will constantly gnaw and scratch wherever they see light2 then let the wire ,e1 at the side of the bridge go through the trigger-hole ,d4 ,d4 a small matter turned up at the end1 that it may hitch to the tiller1 which is the small piece of wood tied to the end of the string1 then fix a little bit of wood1 ,f1 half an inch above the trigger-hole1 on the outside of the trap1 as a stop for the trigger4 ,but some people are apt to put the tiller in the hole1 where it often hangs and prevents the trap from striking1 whereas1 if placed as directed1 it cannot hang in the least1 but must strike and take the enemy2 whom1 in order to secure1 when taken1 let a piece of wood1 about half an inch high1 be nailed to the bottom of the trap1 on the inside1 close to where the door falls1 at each end2 this will hinder any light from coming in1 and prevent the vermin from scratching the door up again1 as ,i have known it sometimes done4 ,the next step in the formation of the trap is1 to take out a bit of the wood from the centre of the top board ,g1 six inches wide1 cut slanting on one side1 and directly or straight down on the other1 with a small tenant saw1 which will waste but little of the board1 and may readily be taken in and out1 over the bridge1 and is convenient to put the bait in4 ,fix a small piece of wood under the lid1 the whole length1 excepting the thickness of the sides1 to keep it from sliding in or out1 and on the even side of the lid1 put two small wooden hasps1 ,h4 ,h4 which will keep it fast on that side1 and that side cut under or aslant holds fast likewise2 then in the back part of the trap1 in the centre1 above the bridge1 drive a nail through1 and turn it up with a hook1 to hang the bait on4 ,i have now described the trap to catch this dangerous enemy1 with the greatest minuteness1 but for the reader's better understanding the nature and meaning of the same1 ,i have annexed a beautiful copper-plate1 containing an exact view or representation of it1 with references answering to the foregoing explanation4 ,this being done1 take some valerian-powder1 and scatter it in and about the trap1 for they are fond of valerian-root to a degree of extravagancy1 rolling themselves about when they come near it1 purring1 and seeming to be as it were in an extacy2 if you have no valerian at hand1 put some pieces of marem or cat-thyme into the trap1 which they are likewise fond of4 ,now for your bait1 take some fishes heads or bones1 or a red herring1 rubbing the end of the trap with the same1 and hang it on the nail1 in the back part1 over the bridge3 this they will eagerly catch at1 it being an observation1 that ,cats love fish1 but do not love to wet their feet2 yet ,i have known an instance to the contrary1 having observed one of these ,cats take the water like a spaniel1 after the water rats2 but this is very rare and uncommon4 ,the bait being placed1 take several red herrings1 tie them together in a string1 and draw a trail all round where you think they come1 and likewise to the traps2 and if they approach you need not fear of catching them4 ,if you find your trap down in the morning1 one caution is necessary1 which is1 not to lift up the door of the trap1 to discover what kind of animal you have taken1 it being possible that some other vermin may have got in1 for if it should prove to be a wild cat1 the moment she sees light she will strike at your face with her claws1 and endanger your eye-sight1 and probably make her escape1 having once been served so myself2 ,i would therefore recommend to take a thin sack1 draw the end thereof to the end of the trap1 so far that it be in the sack's mouth1 which you must draw up tight1 then rattle the other end1 and the ,cat will bolt out into the sack1 and holding the mouth tight1 gather it together and you may do what you please with it4 ,,the ,,marten ,,cat4 ,this is a very curious and beautiful animal not commonly known1 even by many connoisseurs in natural history1 and is the largest of the ferret kind2 he seldom or never comes near any dwelling-houses or farm yards1 but delights in solitariness1 frequenting lone forests1 chaces1 woods1 and other desart places3 however ,i knew one that used to run tame about the kitchen of the ,bald-,face-,stag1 on ,epping-,forest2 they have no strong disagreeable scent1 like the polecat1 weasel1 and other stinking animals of a similar nature1 but are reckoned the sweetest of the vermin kind2 ,i caught several one winter1 on the aforesaid forest1 and sold their skins for four shillings and sixpence each1 for the sake of the fur1 which is exceedingly good4 ,their lodging places are in old crows or magpies nests1 and sometimes in a woodpecker's hole1 and in hollow trees3 ,i have traced them in the snow1 and when they take to a tree they will go from one to another with incredible swiftness like a squirrel1 till they settle themselves in some or other of the places before mentioned1 where you are likely to find them4 ,they are very fond of birds of all kind1 particularly the wood-pigeon1 or ring-dove1 and turtle-dove1 which in the night-time they take from their roosting places4 ,now when you have discovered by their tracks1 either in the earth or snow1 where they go1 place a common box or hutch trap1 such as they use in warrens1 pl4 ,,ii4 fig4 #a4 bait it with a bird1 in the same manner as ,i before described for the wild cat1 pick off some of the bird's feathers1 and strew them through the inside of the trap1 from one end to the other1 and hang the bird on a nail2 this is the way ,i have caught several of them2 but in some places ,i have known them hunted with hounds1 when they are sure to lead the dogs through the thickest covers they can find4 ,they are not an animal that abounds in great numbers1 but rather scarce to be found2 ,i make this observation1 because many persons are entirely ignorant of its existence1 for which reason ,i have been more particular and exact in my account of this uncommon creature4 ,,the ,,polecat4 ,this animal is distinguished by various appellations in different parts of the kingdom1 being in most places called a ,polecat1 in some a ,formet1 and in others a ,fitchet1 and by one or other of the above three names he is known all over ,england4 ,he is a very subtle and pernicious creature1 being a mortal enemy to fowls of all kinds1 and doing prodigious mischief in warrens1 by destroying the young rabbits1 for when once they take to a borough1 consisting of a large number of holes or angles1 they either kill or drive the rabbits away1 who1 by instinct1 shun so dangerous a foe2 in the hen-houses they are equally destructive1 and when they have killed a fowl1 they drag it away1 if they can get it through the hole they enter in at1 but they have one good property1 that is1 that if they can get what they have killed away1 whether fowl or rabbit1 they will eat of it as long as it remains sweet1 before they return back to kill any more2 in this circumstance differing from the weasel and stoat1 who1 after they have destroyed their prey1 only suck the blood out1 and very seldom take it away1 but leave the flesh behind untouched2 if therefore you miss any of your fowls1 or find any of them in part devoured1 it will be an almost infallible criterion for you to distinguish that the mischief has been done by these vermin4 ,in order the better to destroy them1 ,i would recommend this method2 at night1 after your fowls are gone to roost1 mind to sift some sand before every little hole you suspect he may come in at1 and look at them again in the morning early1 before the fowls are moving1 and you will soon discern the prints of their feet by their trampling about1 then set a common hutch trap1 such as are used in warrens1 pl4 ,,ii4 fig4 #a4 and bait it with a piece of fowl or small bird of any kind2 hang the bait on the nail1 over the bridge1 as has been observed before1 and if you should catch one of them1 remember to make the print of his feet in the sand1 which will enable you the better to know it another time1 which has been my own constant practice1 to discover what kind of vermin have been there in any shrape1 whether made by sprinkling mould or sand2 and if you should not have a hutch trap in your possession1 then put at the place where you have tracked him1 a small steel trap1 and place a brick on each side1 so that he cannot avoid coming over the trap1 which must be covered nicely with fine mould2 do this in the afternoon1 then cover it with a thin board1 that the fowls may not spring it in going to roost1 then take the board or shelter away1 and go in the morning before the fowls move1 and if you should not catch him the first night1 observe the same methods for a few nights more1 and you will be sure of him4 ,,the ,,stoat4 ,this animal in some places is called a ,cain1 and is the worst small vermin that exists1 for if they approach to any warren1 pheasantry or chicken-garden1 they do incredible mischief1 for whatever they kill they seldom eat1 but only suck their blood1 on which account they are more destructive and pernicious by far1 than all the vermin of the ferret kind put together1 as ,i have known one to kill a dozen fowls in a chicken-garden in the space of one night1 and then let them remain behind1 after having sucked out the blood at the side of the neck2 but ,i cannot help here taking notice of a remarkable circumstance1 that is almost peculiar to this subtle animal1 which is1 that they will start a hare from his form1 and follow it by the scent1 as true as the hound1 till he comes up to it again2 when they will slyly fasten on the side of the neck1 and there hang till the hare sinks down with loss of blood1 and then is left untouched by the ,stoat1 in regard to the flesh1 and in this manner ,i have shot many ,stoats hanging on a hare's back1 for if you should chance to be near where this happens1 you will hear the hare cry1 which will direct you which way the affrighted animal is coming1 be then ready with your gun1 and it will be next to a miracle if you miss shooting him4 ,in the same manner ,i have shot these vermin in warrens1 for in going by some of the burrows1 ,i have heard a rabbit cry under ground1 which occasioned me to remain a short time by the side of the burrow1 when of a sudden the rabbit has bolted out with the ,stoat on its back1 which ,i have then immediately shot dead1 and by this method have killed great numbers of them4 ,now in all chicken-gardens and pheasantries1 two or more hutch or box traps1 should always remain set under the walls or pales1 baited with any small bird1 rabbits or fowls guts1 when the person who looks after the fowls may likewise take a proper survey of the traps1 by which means they might be caught before they entered within side and did the mischief1 which otherwise must necessarily ensue4 ,let the traps be placed on the outside1 close under the walls or pales1 with the back part against the same1 make a wing or low paling1 about eighteen inches high1 with old pales1 or form a small hedge1 about the same height1 from each end of the trap1 extending four or five yards aslant1 and about two or three yards open at the end from the wall1 which will be a guide for them to enter into the trap1 for they love to run under such places1 and unless prevented in proper time1 by the method here laid down1 they will enter and destroy great numbers of rabbits1 pheasants1 and poultry1 in a single night's time2 in most warrens1 therefore1 it is generally customary1 to have traps constantly set and baited1 otherwise you would soon not have any rabbits left therein4 ,in hare-warrens1 likewise1 hutch or box traps should be placed in divers parts of the warren1 with the two ends painted white1 and rubbed over with the guts of any animal1 which will prevent the hares from entering in1 but allure the vermin2 let them be always baited in the same manner as before observed2 and if you find they likewise come to your hen-houses1 use the same method1 and they will naturally come into the trap and be catched1 and in case you should not have a hutch trap1 set a small steel trap1 as before directed for the polecat1 and you will be certain of securing him4 ,,the ,,weasel4 ,the ,weasel is the smallest vermin of the ferret kind1 and is a very noxious little animal1 in many particulars resembling the stoat1 last described1 but is not capable1 on account of its size1 of doing half so much mischief1 though they will destroy young hares1 rabbits1 and chickens1 and1 sucking out their blood1 leave them behind2 but in one instance it is extremely pernicious in chicken-gardens1 hen-houses1 c4 by sucking the eggs in great abundance2 they begin by making a small hole at one end1 at which they lick the yolk out1 and leave the shell behind1 whereas the rats1 on the contrary1 always drag the eggs out of the nest and carry them away1 making a large hole in the egg1 and sometimes break the shell in half1 in order to get at the yolk1 which the ,weasel will not2 by the above observation you will distinguish what animal has destroyed your eggs1 and lay your trap accordingly4 ,in some cases ,weasels are serviceable1 for they will kill mice1 water rats1 young house rats1 but the old ,norway rat they are afraid to attack1 shunning him if possible with the greatest assiduity3 they will likewise destroy moles1 having sometimes catched them in mole traps4 ,when you have discovered that they have destroyed your chickens1 or sucked your eggs1 get a hutch or box trap1 and bait it with a small bird or egg1 for ,i have catched many by baiting with an egg1 and if you should be at a loss to know at which place he enters1 make some shrapes1 either with sand or fine mould1 as before described1 and when you have discovered which way he comes1 place some small steel traps1 and it will be a thousand to one but what you catch him2 and when you have taken any of these vermin1 make an impression of their feet in some fine sand1 and you will be able to distinguish them another time3 and if this was strictly observed1 it would be possible for you to know if even a mouse had entered your parlour or dining-room1 by sifting some sand all over the bottom of the room at night1 the last thing you do2 then lock the door1 and in the morning you will see which way they come in and out2 which remark will serve for all these kind of vermin in general4 ,i conclude my account of this creature in describing an odd method by which ,i have killed them1 viz4 when ,i have observed one run into a hedge1 by standing at a proper distance from the place1 and imitating the squeaking of a mouse1 ,i have enticed the ,weasel to come out to the side of the hedge1 and then shot him dead1 and by this method ,i have destroyed several of them4 ,,the ,,ferret4 ,of these animals there are two kinds or species1 the white ,ferret and the polecat ,ferret1 so called from its great resemblance to the polecat1 but they are certainly two distinct animals1 though by many persons imagined to be one and the same1 and confounded together2 and as a proof of this distinction1 ,i have had several excellent ,ferrets killed by the polecat1 when turned into the rabbit burrows1 wherein the polecat had taken prior possession4 ,ferrets are much used by the warreners in the following manner2 when the young rabbits become of a tolerable bigness or growth1 they go to the holes where they have been observed1 with a dog-,ferret1 and turn him in with a long small line round his neck1 and the other end of the line in their hands2 if he goes a considerable way in1 and finds no game1 they draw him out again1 and put him into another hole2 and when they perceive by the line that he has struck at one of them1 the line is gently drawn out1 and he will bring the rabbit out in his mouth2 the ,ferret's throat is then pressed1 or squeezed close1 in order that he may quit his prey1 and then he is turned in again1 this method the reader may practise with success1 and take all the young rabbits out of their burrows1 be their number never so great1 but one caution is necessary to be observed1 which is1 not to lay the rabbits1 as you take them1 in the wind of the ,ferret1 this will baulk your sport1 for if he scents or winds them1 he will not keep in the ground2 in the course of my practice ,i have tried a great number of holes1 in some of which he has gone six or seven fathom in almost straight or horizontal angles1 generally about three or four feet deep under the earth before he found his prey1 but these are too great lengths to draw them1 and would be losing too much time1 but if you find the rabbits at about three fathom deep1 it will answer your purpose1 though you may try different angles or holes1 and take your game at the nighest2 the above method is what is termed drawing them with a ,line-,ferret4 ,in the winter season1 when you are endeavouring to take the rabbits1 and you cannot get them to bolt or come out of their holes1 the following expedient may be put into execution1 in order to take great numbers of them together2 make use of the ,line-,ferret as before1 turn him into one of the holes or angles till he finds them1 but let him not remain there long enough to lay hold of the rabbits1 then put him in at another1 and so in like manner into all1 and in the nighest angle you find them1 there turn in the ,ferret1 and let him lie while you can sound him2 what is meant by sounding is1 you must listen about where you think the line goes1 with your ear to the ground1 and where you hear him dig a trench cross the hole1 just behind the place where you sounded down to the line1 then follow the line till you come to him1 and in all probability you will take a great number of rabbits1 and this is the reason of trying the ,ferret in so many different angles before you let him lie1 for by this method they are driven together1 for if you was to let him lie at first1 perchance you might have the trouble of digging for only a single rabbit1 for they do not keep in any great degree together till driven so by the means aforesaid2 but remember not to muzzle your ,line-,ferret4 ,another method of catching them is1 by what is termed starting or bolting2 to this end take the bitch or the ,ferret and muzzle and use it in this manner1 where there are any rabbits in burrows or at hedges1 which you intend to destroy2 when you first approach to the place1 remember to take the wind of it1 and fix a small purse-net1 made for the purpose1 called a ,flan1 in some countries1 at each hole1 do this as still and silent as possible1 then put in the ,ferrets at the lee-side of the burrow1 in order that you may have the wind of the rabbits1 and stand at the lee-side yourself1 not making the least noise1 for though many persons have a notion1 that do what you will the rabbits will not start1 yet this is a mistake1 for if they hear a noise above ground they will fly down into their lower holes1 till they can run no further1 then the ,ferret gets behind them and scratches them till they bleed1 in which situation it is impossible for him to get before to drive them out into the net1 and this is the reason ,i enjoin a strict silence1 for then he catches them in their upper angles1 on which they bolt out immediately1 for they never lie in the lower ones till they are disturbed above ground2 it is therefore a mistaken notion of a great many people1 to hunt and drive in all the rabbits they can find before they put the ,ferrets into the ground1 but this method is entirely wrong1 if you intend to start or bolt them1 for if they are once driven to ground1 it is ten to one if they move1 but will lie and be scratched to death3 but if you hunt them with a ,line-,ferret1 you will then have nothing to do but to sound your ,ferret and dig them out as before directed4 ,i shall here beg leave to make a remark relative to a bad practice of the warreners1 who make too frequent use of ,ferrets1 which method ,i entirely disapprove of2 for1 was ,i in possession of a warren1 which ,i occupied for my livelihood1 ,i would never put a ,ferret into the ground at all1 as it does a warren infinite prejudice and damage2 it makes the rabbits forsake their own home1 and run away1 and lie out till they are killed1 for they have a fixed antipathy against entering into the ground where there is the least smell of the ,ferret2 they have the same dislike to other vermin1 and the ,ferret is as bad as any of them2 my own method of catching rabbits is1 by nets made into pound pitches1 and then you may sort them as you think proper1 the best you may turn over the net and the worst you may kill2 on the contrary1 the ,ferret has no respect to either1 but will destroy the good as well as the bad4 ,the ,ferret1 as has been before observed1 in many instances resembles the polecat1 and if one should get away from his hutch1 and get into the garden or field1 if you should chance to get him again1 he becomes so wild that you can scarcely venture to touch him4 ,i have catched them at the hen-house1 in a farm-yard1 where they come to kill the fowls1 for being set by some people to drive out the rats1 they sometimes lose one1 when he preys about as the polecat does2 and will sometimes feed upon young rats1 but as to the old ones those he does not choose to face1 for ,i have had several good ,ferrets as could be1 all beat by an old rat1 which they will not touch1 except they are very sharp set and hungry2 this experiment ,i have made by keeping one fasting for a day and a night1 and then he killed an old fierce rat and eat him presently4 ,this affords a useful lesson1 for if you are going to make use of your ,ferrets for any business1 keep them fasting for some time before1 they being of a very sluggish disposition1 and when their bellies are full they will not hunt after any thing1 or work in the least3 ,i have often turned them into holes after rats1 when1 if they find a nest of young ones1 they will eat them1 and if sufficient to satisfy their hunger1 they will hunt after no more prey1 but fall asleep1 for they only go in search of it to serve themselves1 and when their bellies are full1 you may hunt by yourself2 this is the true nature of the ,ferret4 ,in some places people employ them instead of cats1 in destroying rats1 when they often prove of good service1 especially in under floors of any kind1 and when they lie between the boards1 but in ceilings and common sewers they are not so serviceable2 in the first they can do no good1 and in the latter they do not much care to wet their feet1 except when sharp set1 and then they will seize the rat1 which sometimes bolts from the ,ferret1 and is driven into a narrow angle or corner1 where being kept at bay and made desperate1 he maintains a fierce combat with the ,ferret1 and makes him retire with his face and head terribly bitten and bloody4 ,,the ,,hedgehog4 ,this little animal greatly resembles the porcupine1 though in miniature1 his body1 being armed and fortified all over with small sharp-pointed quills1 which is an admirable defence for him against his enemies4 ,it has been asserted by some writers1 and is a notion commonly received1 that it will suck the milk of cows in the night-time1 while they are asleep in the fields1 and bite the dug in such manner that the cow never recovers1 but this opinion ,i believe to be false and erroneous1 having never been able1 after many years strict enquiry and observance1 to discover a single instance of it2 their chief food consists in acorns1 crabs and roots1 in grubbing up of which latter they damage the ground2 you may catch them by setting a hutch trap under the wall or pale of any park or warren1 as these animals will run under them in the night a considerable way1 having taken several of them by this method in the course of a week4 ,i recommend it therefore as the most preferable1 as few dogs will venture to kill them1 their quills being so extremely sharp1 and when they find they are pursued or attacked1 they immediately roll themselves up round as a globe or ball1 and lie as if they were dead2 but put them into a puddle or pan of water1 and they will expand themselves immediately4 ,i know of no particular bait they are fond of4 ,,the ,,norway ,,rat4 ,this vermin was brought originally from ,norway to ,england1 in ships trading for timber1 c4 to that country1 and being of foreign extraction1 they are commonly1 though erroneously1 called in many places1 the ,hanover ,rat4 ,there are very few buildings1 either in town or country1 that are not troubled and pestered with them4 ,now you must carefully observe what part of the building they frequent2 examine the sewers or shores1 for they will find their way up them where there is no grate1 and if there is one1 they will gnaw through a soft brick1 and scratch the dirt out by the side of the shore into it1 and there lie dry1 which often stops up and greatly detriments the shore4 ,if there are any hog-sties1 where hogs are fattening in winter time1 the ,rats without doors about the buildings1 will repair to the sties2 they are very apt to get under the floors1 greatly to the damage of the houses2 they will likewise get behind the wainscots1 and in cielings1 and make a noise that is very disagreeable to the family3 it is necessary1 therefore1 to mind where they go in and out1 for some way they must of necessity have1 as they cannot remain there long without meat and water4 ,in order therefore for the better discovery of the same1 sift some sand about1 and if any move1 you will easily see which way they go1 for this is an infallible method to betray all vermin2 in the same manner1 if the comparison may be allowed1 as ,daniel1 in the apocrypha1 traced the footsteps of the men1 women and children1 coming in at the private door1 by means of sifting some ashes4 ,in the country sometimes they will lie out in the fields and hedges1 as long as any corn remains upon the ground1 and breed in the most prolific manner1 for ,i have known them frequently bring forth twelve young ones at one time2 and ,i once caught an old female ,rat1 that had given suck with sixteen teats2 and as a still farther proof of their fruitfulness1 ,i have known them breed when only half grown2 but in this case they have had only three or four young ones at a time4 ,but to return1 when the cold weather comes on1 they flock in prodigious numbers to the houses and other buildings2 they likewise repair to the barns and wheat-ricks1 and sometimes ,i have known them take to the ricks1 notwithstanding they have been placed on stands1 for they will jump up on the top of the stones placed as a safeguard1 with surprizing agility1 which it was imagined was impossible for them to do1 and get into the ricks1 where they always make holes in the thatch4 ,i have known them take to hay-ricks and get to the top of the thatch1 and bite through the straw1 in search of what little corn may be left in the same2 so that the stacks or ricks have been obliged to be thatched again4 ,having given a general description of these animals1 ,i now proceed to point out the methods of catching them1 in the various places they haunt2 whether in the cellars1 shores1 hog-sties1 barns1 stables1 slaughter-houses1 brewhouses1 still-houses1 or any other place1 be it what it will4 ,when you have discovered their haunt1 you must put a trap1 hereafter to be described1 as near the place as possible2 put a small piece of stick across under each end of the trap1 near the standard1 to prevent it from falling down or striking1 and it will remain in the same position as set1 and the ,rats have free liberty to go in and out at pleasure1 in order to embolden them1 before you set your traps in earnest to take them2 then scent it1 by a method hereafter to be explained1 and it will not want scenting again for a twelvemonth2 for it is my constant rule to scent them only once a year1 which will be sufficient4 ,take some chaff of any kind1 mix some wheat-corn with it1 and put some about the bottom of the trap1 this prevents them from any notion that it is a trap4 ,if it be in a place where you cannot procure chaff1 throw a handful of oats1 barley1 or malt about the bottom2 but chaff1 mixed with some kind of corn1 as before observed1 is preferable4 ,you will have occasion to do this only for the first time of setting the traps to work2 for when once some ,rats have been catched in them1 and have pissed and dunged therein1 they will be in better order for it2 it is a wrong practice1 therefore1 in many people1 to wash the trap clean before they set it again2 on the contrary let the dung remain in it1 for this reason1 that the ,rat will enter with greater confidence where he finds his brethren have been before him2 but if it hinders the trap from striking1 or it is got under the bridge1 then take it out4 ,now if you perceive that they come to four or five different places1 ,i would advise1 by all means1 to put a trap at each place4 ,some people are afraid of a little expence1 and make shift with one trap only1 in which case you are obliged to move your traps about1 which makes them shy1 and missing some of their companions renders them still shyer3 mind therefore to have a trap at each place1 set them all to feed at the same time1 and put a little bundle of straw at each end1 that they may go in and out privately2 and if you cannot get any straw1 shelter each end of the trap with some old boards1 and keep them as private as possible1 for this they like1 and it will answer your intent the better4 ,when your traps are all set1 as near the places where they run as you can1 you must feed them after the following manner3 put some of the feed 7the recipe to prepare which will be hereafter given7 at their holes1 scatter a little quite up to the end of the trap1 and so along to the bridge within side1 and there put a handful4 ,when this is performed at each trap1 you must stay two or three nights before you go to them1 and you will see which trap they have eaten out of1 perhaps from all of them1 or possibly from only one1 as sometimes they are very shy2 for ,i have known them to eat the food prepared for them1 from their holes quite up to the trap1 for a week before they would enter in2 but when once they have entered in1 and find they are not hurt1 they will then come freely enough4 ,in the next place1 when you go round to take a survey of your traps1 take notice of those they have eaten out of1 and put some more food in1 but after the first time of feeding them1 you need only put an handful on the bridge4 ,make it your rule to take this survey in the morning1 and when you perceive they come to feed boldly and freely1 then is the proper time to think of taking them2 but for two or three nights previous to your catching them1 when you have given them food in the morning1 remember to look at the traps again at night2 for if it be a quiet place they will feed by day-light1 and where this happens1 set those traps going in the day-time1 and the rest in the evening2 and as they are caught take them out of the trap1 by means of a little wire cage2 which is described at the end of the ,rat trap struck in pl4 ,v4 afterwards put them into the large cage1 proceed in this manner till bed-time1 and then put up all your traps again1 that they cannot strike1 by means of a small piece of a stick laid across1 under the ends1 as before mentioned1 and put some more food in them1 for two or three nights longer1 till they are become bold2 then set them all again2 and this may be transacted without breaking your rest in the least2 but in some places where they lie in the ceilings or behind the wainscots1 they are not in motion till the house is still1 and the family gone to rest1 and where this happens you must sit up later1 and when any person has this book in his possession1 by following the directions therein carefully1 he may easily get the better of these vermin4 ,when ,i have been catching these vermin at any nobleman or gentleman's house1 after having been absent for some time1 ,i have been obliged to sit up all the night1 in order to keep their numbers under3 but when a person is in the house or near the premises1 there is no necessity of his losing his rest1 or attending in so close a manner1 because he may take his opportunity to catch them when he thinks proper2 and on any night he fixes for that purpose2 if any business should intervene1 that he cannot conveniently put his design into execution1 then let him give them a little food again1 and they will not be baulked4 ,be certain to remember this piece of advice1 for when the ,rats come for their supper1 and you have neglected to leave them any1 then they will be disappointed1 and obliged to go to other places in search of food3 therefore when you have some at feed1 mind to keep them there at the different places1 to which they will come with the greatest regularity1 if not baulked2 so continue1 still feeding them1 never neglecting a single night1 till you have a leisure evening1 and that will encourage them to be bold and come freely4 ,observe the night that you set your traps going1 to lay food that they cannot carry away1 and put but a little on the bridge1 and on each side1 that you may be sure of catching what comes to feed2 and if in going round to your traps two or three times1 you observe one of them that has not struck1 strike it yourself2 for sometimes they will not go down easily1 if they stand long1 but set hard1 then the ,rats will eat the food out1 and not strike the trap4 ,now as they are caught1 go round and take them out with your small cage1 and put them into the large one3 in this manner ,i have caught seventy-two in one night's time1 though sometimes in that trap where they have fed the best1 ,i have not caught one ,rat1 according to expectation4 ,if this should happen to you be not in the least discouraged2 for they will come again1 and disappointment may have been occasioned by their having met with some other vermin in the way2 for sometimes a weasel1 stoat1 or polecat1 will go in and baulk your traps1 as they leave a most horrible stench behind them1 very disagreeable to the ,rats2 and in the course of my practice ,i have caught great numbers of the animals just before mentioned1 but more particularly the polecat1 all in the rat-traps2 by which it is evident how naturally these vermin will follow one another1 when prowling in the night after their prey2 but these events1 which now and then happen1 ought not1 in the least1 to slacken your diligence2 for by care and perseverance1 and by following the above rules1 you will soon take and destroy these terrible and subtle domestic enemies4 ,the following cautions are necessary in removing them from the trap to the cage3 when you go round in order to survey your traps1 and find one down1 take the small wire cage1 and put it close to the right hand end1 which is the handiest method of taking them out1 unless the trap stands in such a position that you cannot command that end4 ,when you have placed the cage properly1 pull that end of the trap up next your right hand1 just high enough for the ,rat to come out into the cage1 let the candle stand down by the cage1 which you must hold fast with your hand1 that they may not drive it away2 for sometimes when they see light1 they will spring or bolt out with such velocity1 that except you hold the cage tight1 and close to the trap1 they will drive it away1 and so escape4 ,at other times they are sulky1 and will not come out if they can help it2 in this case you must make a noise1 and rattle against the other end of the trap2 and they will soon bolt out into the cage4 ,another piece of advice is here necessary1 for when one ,rat has come out you may possibly think there are no more in the trap1 and take the cage away1 but be certain of this first1 for ,i have had seven at one time in the same trap4 ,by observing this rule you will be enabled to guard against any of them getting away1 after you have been at the trouble of taking them4 ,illustration3 ,page #hg ,plate ,,iii4 ,the ,,seperate ,,parts of the ,,rat ,,trap described4 ,j4 ,lodge sc4 ,i shall now give the reader a very minute and exact description of the make and construction of the trap1 made use of in the foregoing instances1 which1 with the print annexed1 will give him a full1 perfect1 and adequate idea of the same2 it is made in the following manner3 ,take three boards pl4 ,,iii4 two feet two inches long1 let the two sides stand on the bottom1 nine inches high1 by nine inches wide in the clear2 then take a thick bit of wood three inches wide1 and put it in the top of the trap in the centre1 for the upright centre ,e4 pl4 ,,iv4 to go in2 in the front of the trap1 at the bottom1 cut a hole for the trigger1 half an inch wide1 and three inches high1 ,,bb2 line the inside of the hole with some pieces of tin about an inch wide1 that they may not deface the inside of the trap1 for a ,rat will always gnaw and scratch wherever he sees any light2 then take two pieces of board to go in even or level at each end1 and under these take two short pieces1 six inches high1 to go in easy1 nailing the top down to these at each end1 and then hanging the top-pieces ,f ,f4 within an inch of the end nearest the centre1 they will go up and down together4 ,in the centre1 at the bottom of the trap1 against the back1 take a piece of wood1 two inches long1 and half an inch thick1 make a hole in the centre of it1 then put a nail through without a head1 fasten it down to the bottom of the trap1 and let the nail stand up half an inch2 in order to hang the bridge on3 then take a piece of half inch board five inches wide1 and seven inches and a half long1 make a hole at one end1 in the centre1 and at the other end put a strong bit of wire ,d1 and let it come through the trigger-hole ,b ,b1 bent and turned up at the extremity1 a quarter of an inch1 that it may hitch or fasten to the trigger1 and over the trigger-hole about half an inch1 nail a little piece of wood ,c1 about two inches long1 in order to stop the tiller1 to prevent its going into the trigger-hole2 let your standard ,e1 at the top of the trap1 be five inches high1 with a notch in the centre1 opposite the trigger-hole2 let it be half an inch wide1 and two inches down2 then you must put a small nail at each end1 to both which tie a string and bring them through the notch in the standard and tie them both together2 then cut one end off1 and bringing the other end down tie it to the trigger1 which is the small piece of wood tied to the end of the string1 in order to set the trap1 which must be set up about six or seven inches high1 at each end4 ,the intent of having the under pieces but six inches high1 is1 that you may be enabled to take them out with the greater safety2 for when you place the small wire cage at the end of the trap1 then lift the end thereof level or even with the small hole at the side of the cage1 and there will be sufficient room for the ,rat to go into the cage very easily4 ,illustration3 ,plate ,,iv4 ,page #hh4 ,the ,,rat ,,trap set4 ,fig4 #a4 ,the ,,box wherein the ,,rat ,,trap is placed4 ,j4 ,lodge sc4 ,having described the trap1 ,i now proceed to another particular1 which is1 that you must put it into a large box1 in order to keep other animals from eating the food prepared for the ,rat1 and likewise to hinder the dogs from coming to it2 for sometimes1 when they find a trap where the ,rats come to feed1 they will lie by it and baulk the ,rats4 ,this box1 therefore1 is a safeguard or defence for them1 for when any thing disturbs them1 they will run in at the holes1 at each end of the bottom of the box1 to save themselves1 and when the ends of the trap are sheltered1 they will feed quietly2 if therefore your dogs should come and disturb the traps1 you must baulk them1 and1 during your absence1 mind to lock the boxes1 to keep any person from them1 which has always been my constant practice4 ,the box pl4 ,,iv4 fig4 #b4 is made in this manner3 three feet long1 a foot and a half wide1 and twenty inches high1 with two small holes ,e1 one at each end1 at the back1 close to the bottom of the box1 about three inches diameter1 or square1 as you like2 then the ,rats can go in and out without being disturbed1 and no other animal can take their food but themselves4 ,let the inside traps have a pound weight of sheet-lead nailed on at each end1 which will make them strike quick1 and keep the end down1 for ,i have known them to get out of these traps for want of sufficient weight3 and for the more effectually preventing them from getting their noses under the end and lifting them up1 take a small piece of wood1 an inch wide and three quarters of an inch thick1 and put it across1 at the bottom1 in the inside1 at each end1 that the end of the trap may strike down flush without side4 ,let this piece of wood be lined with tin1 that they may not gnaw it away4 ,let the traps be made of stout inch-fir1 which is the best wood you can make use of2 for that will never warp nor bend1 as other wood does2 but any old packing box will do for the outside4 ,if they are not exactly made as ,i have already prescribed1 they will answer the intent1 yet if you are obliged to make new ones1 they may as well be made according to the directions before given2 but if it is a quiet place where you can lock the door1 or in a barn1 or the outside of a barn at a farm-house1 the following trap may be used with great advantage and efficacy1 which is the common hutch or box trap1 which however must be sheltered1 at each end1 as before directed4 ,this trap the reader is referred to plate ,,ii4 fig4 #a4 and likewise to the description of the same1 in the account of the wild cat1 in page #di of this work4 ,and here ,i beg leave to give a general caution to the reader1 which is1 to follow the directions laid down in the preceding pages1 and practise them by himself2 for company will baulk the sport1 and when once the traps are baulked1 the blame will fall upon the author1 who is not in the least in fault2 for he will maintain and abide by every instruction before given1 to be exactly just and true4 ,remember1 likewise1 that they are a very subtle vermin1 for if they in the least suspect what you are about1 you cannot catch them1 for ,i would not have you imagine that any kind of vermin will ever enter a trap1 knowing it to be one2 on the contrary1 you must entice and encourage them by the means before laid down1 which will make them bold1 and enable you to catch them with the greatest facility imaginable4 ,now when you have set all your traps to work1 you will want to scent them1 which must be performed in this manner2 take twenty drops of the oil of rhodium1 six or seven grains of musk1 half an ounce of the oil of anniseed1 put them in a small phial for use1 and before you set the traps1 shake them well together1 then scent your traps as follows3 ,take a small piece of paper twisted up1 dip it in the bottle1 and rub each end of the trap1 and put two or three drops on the bridge1 and likewise the holes at each end of the box2 leave the paper in each trap1 and let every trap be served in this manner2 the reason of mixing these three ingredients together is1 that ,i have always tried it with success1 for in some places the rats love the smell of rhodium1 in others they like the smell of musk1 and again1 in other places1 they love the smell of anniseed2 on this account ,i mix them all together1 that the scent of either one or other of the above ingredients may entice and allure them to the trap4 ,another piece of instruction is necessary to be given3 when you first set your traps to work1 different means are to be used according to the different places you are catching at2 if it is at a dog-kennel1 put some small pieces of boiled flesh about in the trap1 as well as the feed2 if in a slaughter-house1 put some small bits of fat1 or small pieces of guts2 if in a brewhouse put some malt2 if in a still-house put some of the meal2 if in a mill the same2 if at a barn1 put in some corn as well as the feed1 and so likewise in all other instances4 ,the reason of this method of proceeding is1 in whatever places your traps are set1 put some of the same things in the trap as they have been before used to2 for then they have not so great a notion of its being a trap3 you must not use any of the scenting in the feed1 for there is nothing they are so fond of in their food as the oil of carraways4 ,the ,recipe how to make the ,food or ,feed4 ,take a pound of good flour1 three ounces of treacle1 and six drops of the oil of carraways1 put them all into a bowl1 and rub them well together1 till it looks all alike2 be sure to mix it well2 then put a pound of the crumb of bread to it2 for they like the bread mixt with their feed better than the feed alone1 it being too luscious1 for which reason they do not like it so well by itself2 but that night on which you catch1 put no bread to it1 lest they should carry it away4 ,there is a necessity for your having two wire cages1 one small1 pl4 ,,ii4 fig4 #b4 used in going round your traps1 in order to take the vermin out to put them into the larger one1 made in the manner following3 ,the small wire cage must be thus constructed2 let it be nine inches in length by nine wide1 four inches and a half high1 with a fall in it at one end and a door at the other1 the first to let them in at1 and the other to let them out into the great cage1 which must be made as follows3 ,let it be twenty inches long1 nine inches wide1 and eight inches high1 with a fall at one end1 to let them in from the small cage1 and a door on the top to take them out at2 now when you are catching1 set your great cage out of the way1 at some distance1 that the other ,rats may not hear them squeak1 for that will baulk your sport and occasion them to run away4 ,in the morning1 if you do not choose to drown them1 perhaps you will want to hunt those you have taken1 and know not how to take them out at the top of the great cage2 but this may be done very easily2 for if you do not hurt them they will not bite you2 for by standing together in the trap all night they are cowed1 and have not the least notion of biting1 unless you should happen to squeeze them too hard2 but you may take them out one by one1 with your hand1 very safely4 ,now this matter is a secret1 for we always inculcate the notion that they will bite you terribly1 unless you rub your hands with some kind of ingredient or other4 ,i was once of that opinion myself1 but am now better convinced2 indeed when there are but four or five left behind in the trap1 they are apt to be very violent and outrageous1 you may then shake them out to your dog4 ,there is a wide difference in the temper and disposition of these animals2 for some are so savage and untamed1 that they will set up their backs1 looking very fiercely and crying out1 if you do but look at them2 but when you meet with one of this kind1 shake him well in the cage1 together with the rest1 and observe when he has put his head among the others1 and take him out by his tale and he will not bite you2 but observe when you have first catched them do not go to handle them directly1 for then they are so mad and furious that they will bite any thing4 ,i shall here give the reader another maxim ,i have often followed very successfully2 if you find the holes quiet and no rats to use them1 it will then be incumbent on you to stop them up in this manner1 to prevent others from entering therein3 ,take a pint of common tar1 half an ounce of pearl-ashes1 an ounce of oil of vitriol1 and a good handful of common salt1 mix them all well together in any old deep pan2 get some pieces of paper1 and put some of the above mixture very thick on the paper1 and place enough of this into the holes to stop them1 and then let the bricklayer make good after you2 and if you should find any of the holes opened again1 it is certain you had not put in a sufficient quantity1 then put in some more1 and1 if it is done as it ought1 they will never approach there any more1 while either smell or taste remains in it2 now by stopping the holes in the shores in town1 where they come up1 with the above mixture1 ,i have kept a gentleman's house entirely clear1 and never have caught one single ,rat4 ,now sometimes they will get in behind the wainscot and in the ceiling1 in town1 and not come out into the house1 but remain there1 and become very troublesome1 and this is a very bad case3 in order therefore to make them forsake these places1 find out a small hole or crack1 then take a handful of common salt1 and put it in at the hole or crack1 and pour upon the salt a spoonful or two of oil of vitriol1 and this will make such a fumigation or smoke1 that they cannot bear it1 then stop the hole or crevice again1 that the smoke may not come out1 do this in two or three places1 as near where you hear them as you can1 and it will cause them to forsake those places4 ,this method is very safe1 as no damage can possibly ensue to the wainscot from the smoke4 ,i shall now point out a method to kill them1 where you cannot set a trap for them3 ,take a quart of the same food1 before made use of in taking them in traps1 then rasp three figs of nux vomica1 add to these a quarter of a pound of crumb of bread1 mix them all well together1 and this will be their certain bane2 but first give them some without the nux vomica figs1 for two or three succeeding nights1 and when they find it agrees with them1 they will then eat that mixed with the fig1 with great freedom and greediness4 ,i am not much a friend to poisoning ,rats in houses1 except in cases of necessity1 but if it must be done1 ,i would by no means recommend the use of arsenic1 or corrosive sublimate1 which is too often practised1 for then they creep into holes about the house1 get between the ceilings1 and other places1 and there die1 and occasion a very disagreeable smell2 for as soon as they have taken enough of it1 it is like a spark of fire in their bowels1 and brings on an insatiate thirst1 and they are restless and uneasy till they get at something to drink1 either water1 milk1 or beer1 and then they die immediately2 from this circumstance it is evident what dangerous consequences may arise1 if any person should drink any of the milk or beer1 where these vermin1 thus poisoned1 have been slavering and drinking2 but sometimes it is a difficult matter to make them swallow enough to kill them1 for the moment they taste the sharp acid contained therein1 it corrodes the mouth and loosens the teeth1 and then they will eat no more of it1 whereas the mixture of the nux vomica1 before recommended1 is quite different1 and if even tasted by any person1 no such fatal effects can happen1 for there is nothing but a little bitter taste that is disagreeable2 and they will take a sufficient quantity to kill them before they know it1 and then they cannot get rid of it1 for it throws them into fits1 puts them to the greatest agony1 and they die soon after2 and in order to be more certain of its effects1 ,i have kept them in a cage1 and gave it them to try the experiment4 ,i conclude my account of the ,rat with the few following particulars1 which ,i flatter myself will prove useful2 they are often very troublesome in coming up the shores1 more especially in still-houses and brewhouses2 now in the above instances1 or in any other shores1 where you cannot conveniently set a trap1 ,i have practised the subsequent scheme with great success1 which although it does not destroy them1 will infallibly drive them away3 ,when you have catched some ,rats and killed them1 take some white arsenic1 finely powdered1 put it into an old pepper-box1 and shake a quantity of it on the fore parts of the dead ,rats1 and put them down the holes or avenues by the sides of the shores1 where they come in at1 which will put a stop to their coming any farther2 for when they once perceive the arsenic1 they will retire immediately1 whereas if you was to put them down without the arsenic1 the living ,rats would eat the dead ones2 ,i have seen one ,rat kill another1 when put into the large cage1 and afterwards eat him2 and once had an old she ,rat1 big with young1 which she brought forth in the cage1 and immediately eat them2 for there is no kind of vermin whatever so savage as a ,norway ,rat2 again1 when you find they have taken to a rick of any sort of corn or hay1 take some dead ,rats1 put some arsenic over them1 as before observed1 then place one in each hole they have made in the thatch1 and it will make them all forsake the rick2 in like manner you may stop some of these ,rats1 served as before1 under the barn-floor1 where the ,rats use1 and it will prevent others from taking shelter or harbouring under them2 these vermin are likewise very fond of lying under the calve-pens1 where they keep snug and warm2 use the above method and it will drive them away2 and also in any of their burrows1 if you can put the dead ,rats1 prepared as above1 so safe that nothing can easily get at them1 and by observing these rules1 you will obtain the desired effect4 ,,the ,,black ,,rat4 ,this animal is the old genuine ,english ,house-,rat1 no other being known in and about houses1 for many ages1 in this country1 and differs in many particulars from the ,norway ,rat1 last described1 for they do not burrow and run into shores as the others do1 but chiefly lie in the cielings and wainscots in houses1 and in out-houses they lie under the ridge-tiles and behind the rafters1 and run along the side-plates2 but their numbers are greatly diminished to what they were formerly1 not many of them being now left1 for the ,norway ,rats always drive them out1 and kill them wherever they can come at them2 as a proof of which ,i was once exercising my employment at a gentleman's house1 and when the night came that ,i appointed to catch1 ,i set all my traps going as usual1 and in the lower part of the house1 in the cellars1 ,i caught the ,norway ,rats1 but in the upper part of the house ,i took nothing but the black ,rats2 ,i then put them together into the great cage1 to keep them alive till the morning1 that the gentleman might see them1 when the ,norway ,rats killed the black ones immediately1 and devoured them in my presence4 ,these vermin are not near so bold1 nor will feed so freely as the ,norway ,rat1 and when you are troubled with any of them you must observe where they use1 which you may do very easily1 for if you go into any place and look up at the side-plates1 you will perceive they will be quite black where they run along them1 and likewise along the cross beams2 on these cross beams place one of the traps you set for the ,norway ,rats1 and put some of the same feed in them1 but mix more bread in it than you did for the ,norway ,rat1 and scent the trap in the same manner1 and put some corn in of any sort3 set a trap at each place where they use1 and set them all to feed1 as you do the others for the ,norway ,rat2 and when you perceive that they come to feed boldly1 then take them2 but this must be done in the night1 for they do not move by day-light1 as the other rats will4 ,by this method ,i catch them alive1 but ,i have likewise taken them on the side-plates and beams1 where they run1 in wires and in snares1 so that they swing off the beams2 they are not near so savage as the ,norway ,rats1 for they seldom kill any chickens or any thing of that kind1 unless extremely hungry and sharp set indeed1 but they are sly thieves for cheese1 bacon1 or any kind of eatables they can get at and pilfer4 ,,the ,,water ,,rat4 ,these ,rats lie always by the waterside1 and feed chiefly on grass and vegetables1 eating neither flesh or corn1 but they will devour green peas1 when in season1 if there are any growing near the ditches where they lie2 these vermin do not much mischief1 except in making holes in banks and spoiling fences2 they make kennels or holes by the side of ditches1 very much resembling those of the otter1 for they have one way out in the water1 and another way out by land1 in order to escape from their enemies1 which ever way pursued4 ,the method of taking them is by setting little hutch traps by the side of the ditch or pond where they lie1 with wings made with bushes or raised with mould1 running aslant from the trap as a guide for them to go in1 such as they have in warrens4 ,feed them with any thing green1 such as the hard part or stalk cut out of a cabbage1 or cabbage-leaves1 which they will eat2 but do not set your traps going till they feed boldly1 and give them some leaves regularly1 as you do the other ,rats their proper feed2 tie some of these leaves in the trap1 then you will be a judge of what comes to feed1 else one will convey away as much as ten will eat1 which occasions you to conclude there are a great many of them4 ,you may take them another way2 get some small steel traps and put them in their runs1 even with the surface of the ground1 and covered over very nicely with the mould4 ,these vermin are something like the ,norway ,rat1 but smaller1 their noses and tails are shorter1 and their heads rounder1 or what is commonly termed muffheaded4 ,,the ,,squirrel4 ,these little animals are admired for their beauty1 and for the sport they afford in hunting them among the trees2 they are about the size of the stoat or cain1 with a tail as large as their body1 which they always turn up when they sit still1 to keep their bodies warm2 they are of a reddish colour1 except under the belly1 which is white2 they make themselves nests or lodging places1 commonly called drays1 in a very neat manner1 with small sticks1 leaves1 and moss1 in the tops of the trees1 where they hoard up nuts to serve them in the winter2 but besides these1 they make a reserve of nuts1 acorns1 and other things of a similar nature in retired and bye places1 which they know where to find1 in case the other should be taken away1 which often happens2 they are chiefly hurtful in destroying wall-fruit1 for they will run along the top of the wall1 taking the first choice of the fruit1 whether nectarines1 peaches1 apricots1 c4 and do prodigious mischief2 ,i have caught them on the wall with a small steel trap1 covered nicely1 and in wood-walks ,i have seen them take the eggs out of birds-nests and break them1 by that means destroying their nests4 ,their flesh is reckoned a great dainty by some persons1 and is said to be superior to venison in flavour4 ,,the ,,mole4 ,this animal is in some places1 but chiefly in the ,north of ,england1 called a ,want1 and1 contrary to most other vermin1 lives chiefly under ground2 its skin is of a fine black jet colour1 very smooth and soft1 and has short legs1 with which they1 with incredible swiftness1 will dig themselves into the earth when they apprehend any danger2 they are supposed by some people to be entirely blind1 it being in many places proverbial to say as blind as a mole1 but this is a mistake1 for they have eyes as well as other vermin1 but very small1 appearing scarcely larger than the head of a common pin1 but sufficient to serve their purposes1 their residence being1 as was before observed1 generally under the earth4 ,these animals do great mischief in gardens and grounds1 and if you find they come observe the outsides1 for their angle1 or run2 or1 if there is a path in a field1 it is very probable but they have a run across the path1 or at a gate-way1 they will frequently have one2 these are what we call the main runs1 and about two or three inches under the earth1 and may very easily be found by the heaving up of the mould or earth1 along which they will run ten times in a day4 ,when you have discovered one of these runs1 you must tread in the earth tight1 and when you come that way again1 see whether it is as you left it1 and if you perceive the ,mole has been along1 then set a trap1 by which means ,i have caught several of them in an afternoon2 these being their main roads out of one part of the ground to the other1 for it will be of little signification to set a trap in any other angles or runs1 and if you should1 it may possibly remain a great while before a ,mole comes2 for in the spring1 when they run near the surface of the earth1 they make a great many different angles in search of the worms1 on which and chaffers their chief food consists4 ,now if they make hills in your fields or gardens1 take notice of the places before mentioned1 and set a trap in the following manner3 ,take a piece of board half an inch thick1 four inches and a half long1 by two and a half wide1 then put a small hoop or bow at each end1 with just room for the ,mole to go through2 then in the centre1 at each side1 put two small pegs1 in order to keep them in the trap2 for sometimes one that is shy1 when he finds the peg before him that springs the trap1 will turn out at the side and spring the trap1 and not be taken3 it is necessary therefore to use these small pegs1 which will keep them in the straight road1 placed as before directed4 ,in the next place1 get two strong horse-hairs1 or pieces of small wire1 then in the centre or middle of the bow1 at each end1 make a hole to put the hair or wire through double1 then open the hair or wire just to fit1 and lie close inside of the bow1 like a noose1 get some fine mould1 make it moist like paste1 and work some of it with your finger and thumb all round in the inside of the bow1 so that the horse-hair or wire may not be perceivable4 ,through the hole in the centre of the trap let a short bit of string come4 ,put a forked peg tight in the hole1 that may keep the string from slipping through1 till the ,mole1 by going through1 pushes it out2 then the string slips up4 ,when you have thus prepared the trap1 then open one of the runs1 exactly the length of the trap1 and put it down in the run quite level1 and make it all smooth1 that there may be no light discovered4 ,then take three good strong hooked pegs1 two on one side1 and one on the other1 and stick them down tight1 then take a stiff stick1 about four feet long1 stick one end in the ground tight1 bring the other end down to the trap and hitch in a loop1 that comes from the hair or wire1 and then it is set1 and when the ,mole comes he pushes out this little peg1 then the string draws out1 the bow-string flies up1 and the ,mole is caught2 in the spring time1 when you catch a she ,mole1 rub her back part about the bows and the inside of the trap1 by which method ,i have caught eight he ,moles successively2 observe1 when you have caught all that you perceive to move1 you need only look round the outside of your fields1 and keep some traps constantly going there1 and they will lay hold of them as they come in and out2 another expedient you may make use of1 by putting some dead ,moles in the runs where they come1 which will prevent their coming1 and keep your ground quiet and free from these trouble-vermin4 ,,the ,,house-,,mouse4 ,these are a nasty little vermin1 well known1 and are very nauseous1 for wherever they come1 whether in the pantry or larder1 you may easily discover it by the disagreeable smell they leave behind them4 ,they are very troublesome in dairies1 where they will skim the milk1 and will get into bird-cages after the seed1 and kill the birds2 and are mischievous in other instances1 of which no mention needs here to be made4 ,many persons would doubtless be glad to be informed of a method to kill these vermin1 which is done very easily2 and to accomplish it nothing is so good as nux vomica2 take a quart of the feed above prescribed for the rat1 before there is any bread mixed with it1 then take four figs of nux vomica1 and rasp them very fine1 or else they will pick the feed from it1 upon account of the bitter taste2 rub it well together1 and it will be their certain bane4 ,my method of laying it is after this manner2 if they come into the larder at night1 put the bread into a pan1 and take the other eatables out of the way2 then lay some of the feed on a piece of paper1 and do this in two or three other places1 which will not be attended with any danger1 however1 for fear of any accident1 what is not eaten take away in the morning1 and at night lay it down again1 and so keep on as long as any come2 in the dairy do the same1 or in any other place where they appear2 ,i have found several lay dead on the paper at one time1 but remember always to lay the ingredients on paper1 then you may take away what is left4 ,,the ,,field ,,mouse4 ,this is a larger ,mouse than the former1 being the largest of the ,mouse kind1 with a reddish back and a good deal of white under the belly4 ,they abound in gardens1 and frequently swarm in prodigious numbers in the fields3 they will eat either corn or flesh just as it comes in their way4 ,i have seen five or six of them by moon-light attack a large toad and kill it1 which they do often2 and when ,i have been trailing for a fox in the night1 ,i have observed1 by turning the light round1 several of these ,field-,mice following the trail4 ,they are more difficult to destroy than the house-mice1 on account that they are shy in taking any bait2 however1 sometimes1 when ,i have been going to catch a fox1 ,i have been sometimes obliged to put some of the feed 7so often before mentioned7 in the shrape1 in order to kill the ,mice1 before ,i could get any to lie for the fox4 ,in winter they will likewise come into houses at the sink-holes1 and get into the pantries1 larders and dairies1 being driven from the fields by extremity of hunger1 and prove very troublesome and pernicious2 and in spring they will get into the gardens1 and eat whole rows or drills of peas1 after they are set3 ,i can give no better method to destroy these vermin1 than to lay some of the above feed for them1 as you do for the other1 on a tile1 and shelter it with some pieces of old boards that it may not get wet3 lay it out at night and take it in again in the morning1 and all that eat of it will certainly die4 ,,the ,,red ,,shrew-,,mouse4 ,this species of the ,mouse-kind has a nose like a mole1 and is in general a very harmless1 inoffensive little animal1 in regard to its preying on any thing3 it is much smaller than the house-mouse4 ,the chief mischief done by these vermin is1 that in harvest-time they will come home with the corn1 remain there and breed4 ,i have known great numbers taken out of a rick2 and ,i once remember half a bushel of these and other ,mice caught at one time out of a rick or stand1 which is often owing to the farmer's own negligence and inattention2 for you may often see a rick-stand made a nursery1 occasioned by putting under it harrows1 ploughs1 hurdles and props3 what avails it then to have a stand to fill the ricks in this manner1 and assist the vermin up8 ,you cannot indeed prevent their coming home with the corn1 or when rats hop up and down the stand1 which they do very easily3 the best method1 therefore1 would be to nail some tin to the props1 which would keep the ,mice from getting up them2 and when once you find they have got to a corn-rick1 the best way is to take it in as soon as you can1 for these ,mice1 in one particular1 are worse than the rats among the corn1 and do a great deal more mischief2 for this reason1 that they will live a great while without water1 only by licking the ends of the straws1 while any moisture remains therein1 and all the while they remain in the ricks they do infinite prejudice4 ,if it is not convenient to remove the rick1 observe the following method2 take a quarter of a pound of the best nux vomica1 put it into an old saucepan1 with three quarts of water1 boil it till it comes to two quarts1 and put two pounds of treacle to it1 in order to overcome the bitter taste of the nux vomica2 then take some small earthen pans1 into which pour some of this mixture1 and set the pans in different places under the eaves of the ricks2 the ,mice being in want of water1 will greedily drink of the mixture1 which will kill them2 and this method you must continue till they are destroyed4 ,before ,i conclude this account1 ,i cannot help taking notice of a gross blunder1 which a certain writer has made in his description of this little vermin1 who asserts that it is as large as a rat1 of the colour of a weasel1 and very mischievous to cattle1 and that it will get upon a beast's back1 and make it lame in the chine2 and in consequence of the bite1 the beast will swell to the heart and die2 all which particulars are entirely erroneous2 for its size is less than that of the common house-mouse1 its colour like the squirrel2 and as to the miraculous affair of its killing any beast or cattle1 it is of a piece with the rest4 ,on the contrary1 ,i am convinced from long observation1 that it feeds on roots1 vegetables1 and corn1 and will not touch flesh on any account4 ,,the ,,black ,,shrew-,,mouse4 ,this animal has a nose like a mole1 and much resembles the red shrew-mouse1 last described1 except in colour2 they are very harmless little creatures1 for they seldom come to barns or ricks1 their residence being amongst the grass1 by the sides of ditches which they feed on4 ,you may often hear them as you are walking along1 squeaking by the path's side1 and making a noise something like the grasshopper2 but they do not the least mischief that ,i know of2 ,i thought proper however to mention them1 that the reader might know that such a little animal really exists4 ,,the ,,grass ,,mouse4 ,this ,mouse is rather larger than the common ,mouse1 with a muff-head like a water rat1 and a short club tail1 looking as if the top was cut off1 and has a great deal of the nature and disposition of that animal1 for it eats no corn at all1 but lives on grass and vegetables2 being of a very harmless nature1 it is a prey to other vermin1 as the water rat is1 7such as stoats and weasels7 which are the worst enemies it has4 ,,the ,,dormouse4 ,this is a small red ,mouse1 with a tail like a squirrel1 and is the most harmless and inoffensive of all the mouse-tribe4 ,it is a very beautiful tame little animal1 and is kept by many persons in small boxes or cages1 and fed with crumbs of bread1 c4 ,they have one singular and peculiar quality1 which is that of sleeping for several weeks together1 without receiving the least sustenance1 and appearing all the while as if dead4 ,you may oftentimes find them in dry banks1 or in wood1 laid up very warm in a nest1 in the ground1 made with oak-leaves1 and always asleep when you discover them4 ,,the ,,bat4 ,this little animal is half mouse1 half bird1 having wings something resembling leather1 and a head very much like that of the mouse1 except that their nose is flatter1 and their mouth wider2 they keep close in holes all the day and never fly abroad till the evening1 and that in the summer time1 for which reason they are called in many places1 the winged mouse2 they live chiefly on flies and other small insects1 and dwell in holes under the roofs of houses1 churches1 barns1 old ruinated buildings1 and in the holes of hollow trees1 where in winter time ,i have sometimes found several scores of them closely adhering together1 in large clusters1 and in a torpid state1 in which condition they doubtless remain till vivified again by the enlivening warmth of the sun1 on the approach of the summer4 ,i have been the more particular in my account and description of the different kinds of ,mice1 as perhaps many of my readers might be unacquainted1 that there are so many distinct species of the mouse-kind4 ,,the ,,large ,,black ,,eagle ,,buzzard4 ,having finished my account of the four-footed vermin1 ,i now come to describe the winged-tribe of vermin1 inhabitants of the air1 which1 notwithstanding1 often descend to earth1 and do much mischief2 ,i shall begin with the ,black ,eagle-,buzzard1 which is one of the largest and fiercest birds of the hawk kind1 that breeds in ,england4 ,this bird frequents parks and warrens1 and often catches leverets1 young rabbits and pheasants1 or any thing else that moves1 as soon as the morning light approaches1 for they are a very early bird2 in winter time ,i have caught them in a steel trap1 the same as is set in a cube for a dog2 bait it with the guts of rabbits or fowls1 or some pieces of rabbits that you find dead by accident2 in spring ,i have caught them in steel traps1 with the skin of a young rabbit stuffed and tied to the bridge1 but after the young rabbits begin to be able to run about1 they sometimes are shy and will not strike at a rabbit1 unless they see him run2 the steel traps that you set for this vermin should strike seven or eight inches high1 in order to clear the bait as it ought to be1 otherwise the jaws might only catch the bait1 and miss the vermin2 ,i have sometimes caught them with a rat in the following manner3 set two traps in the manner as you see in plate ,,vi4 fig4 #a4 head to head1 covered very nicely with moss1 then round the circle as in the same plate1 put some small pieces of fern1 or a bush or two1 quite low1 that the bait may be visible and open2 put the bait1 whatever it may be1 in the middle1 between the two traps1 then he must of necessity go over one of them1 in order to get the bait1 and by this means ,i have often caught him4 ,sometimes you may observe him to haunt a place in a warren or park for a week or fortnight together1 then set your traps in the same method as before laid down1 and you will be almost certain of taking him4 ,let your bait be a dead rat1 if you can procure one4 ,,the ,,grey ,,bob-,,tailed ,,buzzard1 ,,or ,,puttock4 ,this bird is much of the same nature as the former1 in haunting parks and warrens1 for the destruction of rabbits and pheasants1 going in search of them when the morning light appears4 ,in this respect1 however1 it differs from the ,eagle-,buzzard1 that it is smaller4 ,you may catch them with the steel trap above described1 baited with the entrails of fowls or rabbits1 or with some of the pieces of rabbits which may have been accidentally killed4 ,they are to be caught easiest in winter time1 for then ,i have known them haunt one place for a month together1 in a warren1 where you may easily catch them1 as at that season they are short and destitute of food4 ,,the ,,large ,,forked ,,tail ,,kite4 ,this is the largest and heaviest bird of the hawk kind in ,england1 but not near so fierce as the ,eagle-,buzzard1 being rather of a sluggish and indolent disposition1 not caring much to hunt after prey2 but when the other kites and hawks have killed any birds1 they come upon them1 and beat them away1 and then devour the birds themselves2 they chiefly dwell in woods and desart places1 and frequent the sides of rivers and brooks1 being fond of fish1 and often eat the tails of the fish1 which the otters have left behind them4 ,you may catch them by setting two traps1 in the same manner as you do for the buzzard2 bait them with a piece of fish1 if you have it1 or with a rat1 or the guts of fowls or rabbits1 and when once you discover the places they haunt1 you may catch them with the greatest facility4 ,,the ,,large ,,blue ,,sherard ,,kite4 ,this kind of ,kite frequents forests1 heaths1 and other lonesome places1 but especially bogs and marshy grounds1 where they destroy great numbers of snipes1 to which they are the worst enemy of any bird of prey of the hawk kind2 they beat all over the bog with the greatest regularity and exactness1 till they find them lying3 for the nature of the snipe is1 if they perceive their enemy in the pursuit1 they lie as close to the ground as possible1 when the ,kite pounces upon them directly and takes them3 ,i have observed one of these vermin beating at one end of a bog or marshy piece of ground2 and at the other end ,i have stooped down till he has come up close to the place where ,i was1 he looking stedfastly down for his prey1 regardless of any thing else2 and when he came near enough ,i have shot him2 sometimes they will have a beat cross a warren1 where ,i have caught them in traps1 baited with what is termed a stall1 which is a young rabbit-skin stuffed4 ,these vermin are very remarkable for one particular circumstance1 for at any time when you observe any of them come along in the morning1 you will be certain of seeing them return the same way back again in the afternoon1 and three or four succeeding mornings they will have the same beat1 if they are not frightened or disturbed2 whenever1 therefore1 you see one go along in the morning1 get a trap set ready against his return1 baited with a rabbit's skin stuffed and put on the bridge of the trap1 as before directed1 but remember to cover the trap nicely with moss2 if you set it in a green sward1 then cover it with grass1 and in this manner ,i have often taken them2 ,i have likewise caught them by means of two steel traps1 set in the same manner as for the buzzard2 but always mind when you set traps in this manner1 to fasten down the bait between them with a peg1 otherwise they will frequently take it away1 and not strike the trap2 but when the bait is fixed they cannot get it away1 but are constrained to stop1 when by hopping and picking about1 they spring the trap and are caught4 ,,the ,,blue ,,sherard ,,hawk4 ,this bird1 in many respects1 resembles the blue kite last described1 in haunting heaths1 forests1 and lonely places2 especially quags and marshy grounds1 doing much mischief1 particularly among the snipes4 ,you will always be sure of seeing him return home by the same path1 in the afternoon1 by which he pursued his flight in the morning1 but he is not so large1 and preys in much the same manner1 but does not1 however1 frequent warrens so often as the other2 you may catch them by the same method as the ,sherard ,kite1 with a rabbit's skin stuffed and put on the bridge of the trap1 remembering to cover the trap nicely with moss or grass1 observing the directions before given4 ,,the ,,large ,,brown1 ,,white ,,arse1 ,,ring-,,tailed ,,hawk1 ,is the most pernicious and mischievous ,hawk that flies2 but especially in destroying that admired game the partridge1 which it takes1 not so much by swift flying1 as by the following manner or stratagem3 viz4 when they find a covey and spring them1 they fly after them as fast as they are able1 and mark where they pitch down again1 and then spring them again2 and thus keep following them till they catch their prey2 for partridges1 when they are driven hard for three flights1 become so tired and languid that they are easily taken2 ,i have sometimes observed one of these ,hawks in full pursuit after a poor partridge1 almost spent1 when the ,hawk has suddenly stopped1 and alighted on a tree in the next hedge1 to which ,i imagined the partridge had taken1 as they frequently do1 when they are almost tired or down4 ,on this ,i got near enough the ,hawk1 being intent and earnest after his prey1 shot him dead1 and on examining1 to my great surprize1 found that the partridge1 being driven by the ,hawk1 had taken refuge in a hutchtrap1 that stood on the other side of the hedge1 where the ,hawk had marked it1 and sat watching for its coming out again2 these vermin will keep their walk or beat for some time very regularly4 ,i have caught them in a trap1 baited with a rabbit-skin stuffed1 as before observed4 ,,the ,,small ,,ring-,,tailed ,,hawk ,is the largest of the ,sparrow-,hawk kind1 and is a very fierce and pernicious bird1 destroying young ducks and chickens1 in yards1 c4 about farm-houses1 in the fields1 they kill black-birds1 thrushes1 and in the winter-season fieldfares and other small birds2 ,i have driven one from a blackbird1 and immediately set down a steel trap1 covered quite smoothly1 placing the same bird on the bridge of the trap1 and have taken the ,hawk1 which returned soon after for its prey4 ,they will likewise frequently come to the chicken-gardens and pheasantries1 when you must set a steel trap1 baited with a dead chicken or any other of the birds before mentioned2 which they delight to feed on1 and in all probability you will lay hold of them1 and if you find they have been made shy1 by reason of the trap striking and not catching them1 which will sometimes1 though very rarely1 happen1 you may destroy them after the following manner3 take a live chicken1 tie it to a small stake drove in the ground1 by one of its legs1 laying some bread or corn for it to feed on2 then get out of sight1 with your gun1 and the hawk will come and strike at the chicken1 when you may easily shoot him1 and this method ,i have often practised with good success4 ,,the ,,small ,,sparrow ,,hawk4 ,birds which fly wild in the fields1 are the chief prey of this little ,hawk4 ,it very seldom destroys chickens1 or any other kind of poultry1 unless driven by the greatest extremity of hunger2 ,i have driven them from a bird1 and caught them in a steel trap as ,i have the others1 having been allowed so much per head for all the winged vermin1 as well as others that ,i destroyed1 which made me very anxious and assiduous in trying and inventing various methods to destroy them4 ,,the ,,small ,,black-,,headed ,,sparrow-,,hawk4 ,i never caught this ,hawk in a trap1 but have shot several of them2 it is a very beautiful bird1 and has a black head1 with pointed wings1 and is very quick and sharp after its prey1 which are small birds of every kind4 ,it is more timid than the last mentioned ,hawk1 and is seldom seen1 there being but few of them in ,england4 ,on which account we need not dwell minutely upon him4 ,,the ,,wind-,,hover ,,hawk4 ,you may often see this little brown ,hawk1 the smallest of the species1 hovering in the air1 then they steadily look down on the ground1 and if they chance to see a mouse1 they will dart with incredible swiftness1 like an arrow out of a bow1 and catch it2 sometimes they will catch a mole1 and ,i have frequently taken this kind of ,hawk in a steel trap1 by laying one of these animals on the bridge2 and with this ,i conclude my account of the birds of the ,hawk kind4 ,the three last mentioned indeed do not much damage or mischief1 but if ,i had not mentioned them the catalogue would have been incomplete2 besides1 ,i flatter myself it will be acceptable to my readers1 some of whom might1 possibly1 not be acquainted that there were so many different kinds of ,hawks which breed in ,england4 ,,the ,,brown ,,wood-,,owl4 ,few persons perhaps imagine this to be a pernicious animal1 yet in my opinion1 it is the very worst winged vermin that exists2 they seize their prey with great fierceness1 and break it up exactly as the cat does1 by beginning at the fore part4 ,it is very happy for the farmer1 and others who keep poultry1 that the ducks and chickens are gone to roost before the ,owl comes to prey in the night1 otherwise there would be few1 if any of them left2 however ,i now proceed to make good my assertion1 and describe the infinite mischief done by this sort of ,owls4 ,when the evening approaches1 many animals such as leverets1 young rabbits1 young pheasants1 young partridges1 who had lain quiet in the day-time1 come out to feed in the stillness and silence of the evening1 when there is nothing else to disturb them1 the ,owl then comes1 when they are exposed1 and takes away what he pleases1 and if they happen to have young ones at the same time1 it is impossible to conceive what numbers will be taken away in a night's time to satisfy his voracious appetite2 and this ,i can affirm from my own observation1 as ,i used to make it my frequent practice to go out and hunt the ,owls all round the outsides of the warren4 ,the method was this1 two of us used to go with a gun1 one on one side of the hedge1 and the other on the other side2 a third person accompanying us with a long pole or stick1 who therewith beat the hollow and ivy trees1 when the ,owls would fly out1 and we have shot sometimes a dozen in a morning4 ,but one morning particularly ,i found an ,owl's nest1 and shot the hen2 and1 on examining the nest1 ,i found two young ones1 with several pieces of young rabbits1 leverets1 c4 therein1 but we could not meet with the old cock2 on which ,i took out one of the young ones1 leaving the other in order to entice him home to the nest again2 the next morning ,i repaired to the place1 when he flew out1 and ,i shot him dead1 and took away the other young one which had been left behind4 ,but1 what is remarkable1 the old ,owl had carried no less than three young rabbits to the single young one remaining1 in one night's time1 which is an evident proof what havoc they make among the game4 ,another particular of these vermin deserves mentioning1 which is1 that they seldom eat more than the fore-quarters of any animal they kill1 as the cat does1 and always leaves the hind quarters untouched1 which are found in the nest4 ,i have likewise caught them in moon-light evenings in steel traps1 baited with a rabbit-skin stuffed1 and have often killed many of them with a gun1 by keeping close under the hedge1 and imitating the squeaking of a mouse1 when the ,owl has come directly to the place1 and ,i have shot him dead on the spot4 ,,the ,,light ,,coloured ,,barn1 ,,or1 ,,screech ,,owl4 ,this kind of ,owl is a very beautiful bird1 of a palish brown colour1 a little spotted and white on the breast1 doing more good than harm1 for it seldom preys on any thing but mice1 which it will watch for in the barns like a cat1 and destroy great numbers of that little vermin4 ,on this account these ,owls are encouraged by the farmers4 ,if you should see one of them1 mimick the squeaking of the mouse1 and he will come to you directly1 and you may easily shoot him1 as was before observed of the ,wood-,owl4 ,,the ,,horned ,,owl ,has its name from the feathers which stand up on each side of his head1 resembling two horns1 and making a very beautiful appearance4 ,there are many people1 who do not believe there are any ,owls of this species bred amongst us2 the large brown horned ,owl1 7which is bigger than our largest birds of prey1 whether kite or buzzard7 is indeed from foreign parts1 and is esteemed a very great curiosity1 but never breeds here1 which this little ,horned ,owl does1 and much resembles the large one1 only in miniature4 ,i have shot several of them on ,windsor-,forest3 they do no mischief that ,i could ever learn1 however ,i thought it proper to mention them1 that the reader may be assured there is such a bird existing4 ,,the ,,fern ,,owl1 ,,or ,,night ,,jar4 ,this is a very harmless bird1 about the size of the small ,sparrow-,hawk1 of a dark colour1 and with a large mouth4 ,they never go out till the evening1 and then catch beetles and other insects for their sustenance4 ,,the ,,raven4 ,this is the largest bird that feeds on carrion1 and is of a fine shining colour2 in some places it is very serviceable1 in eating up the stinking flesh or carcases of dead beasts and other carrion1 but in many other places very mischievous1 and does a great deal of harm4 ,i having been allowed as much per head for killing them as ,i had for kites and hawks1 as they are equally pernicious in killing and devouring young rabbits1 ducklings and chickens4 ,i know of no better way to catch them1 where they become troublesome1 than to set two traps for them1 in the same manner as you do for the buzzard1 see plate ,,vi4 fig4 #a4 and put a rat between them for a bait1 but when you have taken one or two1 you must move your traps to another place1 or the others will prove too shy to be caught2 for as soon as one is taken1 great numbers will keep round him1 and seeing him fast1 will grow suspicious of some danger1 and not come near the place any more2 but by observing the above method1 in moving the traps1 ,i have caught great numbers of them in a day1 though it is attended with some labour and trouble4 ,i have often caught the ,london ,ravens near twenty miles from home1 in warrens1 where they will sometimes come after the young ,rabbits2 by the ,london ,ravens ,i mean those that generally frequent the outskirts of the metropolis1 and live upon the filth lying there1 grubbing up the dirt in order to get at their food1 from whence the tops of their wings become of a nasty1 dusky brown colour1 occasioned by their wallowing in the dirt1 by which means they are easily distinguishable from the country ,ravens1 which are as black as jet1 according to the old saying1 ,as black as a ,raven4 ,illustration3 ,plate ,v4 page #agd ,the ,,rat ,,trap struck1 describing also the ,,cage for taking out the ,,vermin4 ,i have seen some of these ,ravens sit upon a lamb1 that has been dropped weak1 not being able to run1 when they have got to his head and picked out the creature's eyes while yet alive4 ,another remark ,i shall make1 which is to point out the difference between the manner of birds of the hawk kind carrying their prey1 and those of the carrion kind4 ,now it is observable that buzzards1 kites1 hawks and owls1 constantly carry their prey in their claws1 whereas ,ravens1 carrion-crows and magpies carry their food in their beaks4 ,,the ,,carrion ,,crow4 ,this bird is well known1 and in country places will do prodigious mischief1 by destroying young rabbits1 chickens and ducks1 and likewise in sucking eggs1 which the hens and ducks lay in the back yards or in the hedges3 these the ,crows will break and eat as greedily as any other vermin whatever4 ,now if you find they have any haunts about your house1 get a steel trap1 of the same kind as you use for other winged vermin2 set it in the ground1 quite level with the surface1 and cover it with moss2 then take a little piece of bush or some fern1 stick some of it down1 by one jaw quite low1 and bring it round to the other jaw1 see plate ,,vi4 fig4 #a4 put the bait1 whether it be an egg1 or rat1 a piece of rabbit1 or the guts of the same1 or any thing else of this sort1 in the back part1 on the tail of the trap2 and when you have put the little fence1 before described all around1 as a guide for him1 he must of necessity go over the trap for the bait1 and be caught2 but ,i have been plagued with these as much as ,i have been with the ,ravens1 by being obliged to move the trap after every ,crow ,i had taken2 but by observing when one is caught1 which you may easily hear1 for they then make a great noise and keep flying round their imprisoned brother1 almost close to the ground1 you may then probably get a shoot1 and kill some of them2 but sometimes ,i have known them so shy that ,i could not get them to the trap at any rate4 ,in this case you must observe the places where they most frequent1 and take a cat1 or a ferret1 and tie it to a stake2 then take a gun1 and hide yourself1 when the first ,crow that sees the cat or ferret will make a terrible screaming noise1 and bring many more1 who scream and hover about till you have a fair shoot4 ,in this manner ,i have had1 sometimes1 three or four shoots before they dispersed1 and killed several of them2 for when they see any kind of animal they are not used to1 in the day-time1 it greatly attracts their attention1 and they wonder at it1 as the small birds do at the sight of an owl by day-light2 and this is the best way to get at the shy ones4 ,i have seen the ,crows pick out the eyes of a weak lamb1 while alive1 in the same manner as the ravens will4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #b4 ,the ,,fox ,,trap struck ,the ,,cube for ,,winged ,,vermin ,fig4 #a4 ,,the ,,magpye4 ,this is a very mischievous bird1 doing great damage in warrens1 and much of the same nature as the crow1 preying on all kinds of flesh and carrion1 like that animal4 ,they are extremely pernicious about farm-yards and houses1 killing and devouring young ducks and chickens1 and likewise in sucking and destroying eggs in great numbers1 about farm-houses1 where the hens lay them by the sides of the rickyards and under the hedges4 ,when you find they become troublesome in the above instances1 set your trap 7where you observe them to come7 in the same manner as you do for the crow2 bait it with a rat1 which is as good a bait as any1 or with an egg2 or if they have killed any young ducks or chickens1 and have not devoured them1 at that place1 where you find them1 set your trap1 and bait it with the dead duckling or chicken1 and you need not fear catching them3 but be careful to observe the following rule1 which is1 as soon as one of the ,magpyes is trapped1 to take it out as soon as possible1 in order to set your trap again4 ,you may easily discover this event1 for as soon as one is taken in the trap1 it makes a screaming noise1 which brings great numbers of these vermin together1 who come hovering and flying over their captive brother1 which will give you a fair opportunity of shooting among them and destroying many4 ,this method ,i have often put into execution1 and it has been attended with very good success4 ,,finis4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,transcriber',s ,,notes ,typos fixed2 non-standard spelling and dialect retained4 ,used numbers for footnotes4 ,the original did not include ,plate ,,ii4 ,enclosed italics font in underscores4 ,enclosed blackletter font in equals4